DAVID Beckham, Sir Alex Ferguson and top Manchester United players joined hundreds of mourners to pay their respects to Jimmy Davis.

The 21-year-old rising football star from Redditch was killed in a car crash earlier this month.

The funeral of the former Arrow Vale High School pupil was held at Redditch Crematorium on Thursday afternoon.

Jimmy had a glittering professional career ahead and was preparing to spend the season on loan to Watford from Manchester United.

Most of the Man U team, including the Neville brothers, Nicky Butt, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Paul Scholes and captain Roy Keane, attended the funeral along with Watford and Swindon players.

And a wreath from former Watford chairman Sir Elton John was among dozens of floral tributes.

One of Jimmy's oldest and best friends, Lee Moore, said: "As far as these things go, the funeral did go well.

"The number of people who turned up just goes to show how much respect Jimmy had.

"The players all took time out from busy schedules to attend, which shows how much regard they had for him.

"Anyone who knew Jimmy would not expect anything else."

Jimmy's mother and stepfather, Jenny and Paul Burton, said in a statement: "We have had thousands of cards and letters from friends, supporters and members of the public and I would like to thank each and every one of them for the kind things they have said about Jimmy.

"Their messages have meant so much to us during this nightmare that we are living. They have given us some hope and comfort."

Roger Davis and Sue Dixon, Jimmy's father and partner, said: "We are aiming to write to everyone to thank them for the kind messages.

"This is clearly a very traumatic time for the whole family and we would like to be able to celebrate the life Jimmy had with the people who meant so much to him. "We know this is what Jimmy would have wanted."

The funeral generated massive media interest as it was the first meeting between the England captain and his former Man Utd boss after their dramatic parting at the end of last season which led to Beckham's move to Real Madrid.

Redditch police, together with the council, spent two days planning for the funeral to assist the family and avoid unwanted press intrusion.

A police spokesman said: "I have spoken to the family and they were happy with the way the press behaved and with the police presence of about 30 officers.

"They felt it was enough to provide reassurance but was not intrusive on their grief."

Jimmy died after his BMW was in collision with a lorry on the M40.