“I DON’T know where/Confused about how as well/Just know that these things will never change for us at all.”

The words of Snow Patrol’s Chasing Cars seemed completely appropriate when played at a special Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration for the life of popular schoolboy Luke Woolner, who lost his battle with cancer on May 14 aged just 17.

Hundreds of Luke’s family and friends, including youngsters from Uplands School and Bournemouth School, gathered to pay tribute to the talented youngster at the Parish Church of St Augustin at Cemetery Junction, Bournemouth yesterday.

As the family entered the church Luke’s brother Ben put a protective arm around his mother Alison.

Tributes were paid to Luke by family friend Simon Head who recalled with a smile how Luke’s interest in “all things technical” began when he locked himself in the family car as a youngster.

He recalled how the talented teenager had twice won the Ferndown Golf Club competition and was named South West breaststroke champion.

Luke’s second home was the Games Workshop on Post Office Road in Bournemouth where he would spend hours building and painting models, he added.

Luke’s former headmaster Clive Cole recalled Luke’s “excellent personality” and described him as a role model for his peers.

His personal trainer, John Spencer, told the congregation: “During his treatment I never once saw him down, sad or feeling sorry for himself. He once told me ‘I just want to get on with things as normal’.

“Kind, talented, enthusiastic and very modest – that’s Luke all over,” he added.

Mourners left to the strains of Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street which Luke of Bethia Road, Queens Park, loved to play on the saxophone.

Afterwards Luke’s many schoolfriends recalled the “infectiously happy” boy.

Tom Hawkins, 17, said: “He was constantly smiling – as in never not smiling.”

Rob Kerr, 16, said: “He was infectious with happiness – an amazing person.”