Schoolboy Noah Donohoe has been described as an inspiration to many young people who knew him.

Tributes were paid to the 14-year-old at a private funeral service in Belfast on Wednesday.

Mourners gathered at St Patrick's Church in the city for mass, with Noah's funeral cortege led by his basketball teammates.

The coffin of Noah Donohoe is carried into St Patrick's Church in Belfast. Picture by: Niall Carson/PA Wire/PA Images

The schoolboy was found in a storm drain in north Belfast on Saturday - six days after being reported missing.

Fr Michael McGinnity, who led the service, said Noah poured a whole lifetime of love into his mother's life in 14 short years.

He also said he touched the hearts of everyone in the city.

Fiona Donohoe (centre), mother of Noah Donohoe, follows his coffin as it is carried into St Patrick's Church in Belfast. Picture by: Niall Carson/PA Wire/PA Images

Prior to the service, his mother Fiona appealed to parents to be at home and 'cherish' their children during the funeral.

She said: "No words can express our thanks to all the people for their support and for taking Noah to their hearts.

"At the time of the funeral, I want everyone to be at home with their children.

"Embrace them and cherish them, for every moment with them is precious."

Hundreds of people were involved in his search.

Main image: A photo of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe with his mother Fiona as the funeral cortege of Noah Donohoe arrives at St Patrick's Church in Belfast. Picture by: Niall Carson/PA Wire/PA Images