Family and friends have said their final goodbyes to a "happy", "cheeky" 27-year-old after his death earlier this year.
Jamie Grant disappeared from his Whickham home in February. His loved ones "held on to hope" for as long as they could, trawling the streets and countryside in a bid to find him.
But they were devastated when his body was found near the River Derwent in March, nearly a month after he went missing.
Read more: Sister's tribute to 'caring' lad on anniversary of his tragic death at 24
Funny and outgoing, Jamie had suffered from mental health problems through his twenties, but managed to live independently with the support of his loving family. At his funeral on Wednesday, those who knew him remembered how he'd loved company and was always visiting friends and relatives.
To the crowd gathered at Saltwell Crematorium, Jamie's aunt, Marie Grant, read tributes and messages written by his family. They included a moving poem penned for Jamie by his 15-year-old sister Alisha.
She told the mourners: "I want you all to remember that mental health matters, not everyone shows their scars or sores. Take as many photos and flood your phones while you can, and make as many memories before the angels we lose explore their new paradise in Neverland."
Jamie's aunt Paula said he was a "happy, cheeky chap", adding "we could never be cross with you, no matter what". She said: "I can't believe you are gone. Our chain is broken - even though you are probably looking down telling everyone to stop being sad."
A poem read on behalf of Jamie's mum and dad, Andrea Grant and Kelvin Roxby, said the heartbroken parents' "souls will never part" from that of their beloved son.
Tributes were also read on behalf of Jamie's cousins Philip and Rebecca. Philip recalled "belter times" playing video games and music together, while Rebecca remembered Jamie as "always the joker".
Sharing memories from Jamie's family, humanist celebrant Andy Barker said Jamie had been "a little live wire from an early age". He loved gaming and music and adored his siblings, Bradley, 17, Alisha, 15, Mica, 26 and 11-year-old Kylie, of whom he was "especially protective".
He added: "Though he had his issues, he was still happy-go-lucky... Jamie was just a really nice lad, he was really polite to people, he didn't have a nasty bone in his body. He loved his family and friends and they loved him.
"Jamie delivered laughter and delight in life and in doing that he gave so much. He will live on in your hearts and in your minds."
After the service, donations were collected for mental health charity Mind in Jamie's memory. Jamie’s death is not being treated as suspicious.
