A poem by the sister of student John Rees, who was stabbed to death after a night out, was read out at his funeral.

Emma Rees composed the tribute to her brother especially for the service at Woodvale Crematorium, Brighton.

It was read by the Rev Dr Fiona Stewart-Darling, chaplain at Portsmouth University where John was a final year computer studies student.

John, 23, of Shoreham Beach, died five weeks ago after he was stabbed in the chest as he walked home across Southsea Common.

He had earlier been celebrating a friend's birthday and become involved in an argument with other revellers in a nightclub.

John's mother Rosalyn Ridge, of Old Fort Road, Shoreham Beach, and his father, Trevor Rees, from Hassocks, led mourners at the service.

They were joined by his sister Emma, brother Gareth and about 100 relatives and friends.

As well as Emma's tribute, which ended with the words "goodbye my friend", the Eric Clapton song Tears In Heaven was played.

Detectives leading the investigation into John's death, which resulted in a 19-year-old Portsmouth man being charged with murder, also sent flowers.