Vigil For Stephen Sutton: Thousands Pay Respects

Thousands of people have queued outside Lichfield Cathedral to pay their respects to cancer fund raiser Stephen Sutton ahead of his funeral.

A two day vigil began on Thursday and will continue until this afternoon with many more expected to sign the book of condolence.

His family will hold a private funeral later where they will say their final goodbyes, but at 11am his mother Jane has asked people to join in a "Thumbs Up For Stephen" event, and "do something to make others happy".

Millions of people across the world have been inspired by Stephen's courage facing terminal cancer.

And as his hearse arrived on Thursday evening, drawn by four white horses, there was spontaneous applause from the crowd. A bright yellow wreath bearing the icon of a smiley face lay beside the white coffin.

Leading the vigil the Dean of Lichfield, the Very Reverend Adrian Dorber, told the gathered mourners Stephen "in his all too brief life" had taught "how to make the unacceptable, beautiful".

"He chose to share his exuberance with us, not his pain. He was one of those very rare people who've helped us live our lives with generosity."