WHEN a young sports star takes to the field in a Rugby World Cup next month, he will be paying a heartfelt tribute to his friend Craig Gibson who died while swimming in Australia.

Former Royal Grammar School pupil Nick Duncombe, 19, will wear a T-shirt of Craig's underneath his rugby top when he plays for England in the Under-19 Rugby World Cup in Chile.

Craig, 19, of Gregories Road, Beaconsfield, drowned in New South Wales. He had been swimming with others in a pool, the No Name water hole, on March 1 when he went missing. His body was found three days later.

Nick, who met Craig at High Wycombe's Royal Grammar School more than five years ago, said: "Craig was prepared to do anything for you no matter what the cost.

"I broke my neck last year and was in a hospital near Wales and he came up to visit me and sent text messages to my phone."

More than 300 relatives and friends were at a thanksgiving service for Craig on Saturday which was conducted by the Rev Jan Brookshaw. The family have also been inundated by cards and letters.

Craig's father David said his son was someone who always had a smile on his face, even when being told-off and was tremendously supportive.

He said: "He was very supportive when my wife died. He was a hugging sort of person and would demonstrate his support. He was a tower of strength to me after his mum's death."

Mr Gibson read out his own tribute during the service.

He said: "As part of the many meals he cooked, I shall miss the sight of him chopping onions with his ski-goggles protecting his eyes, his baseball cap on sideways and his ridiculously baggy trousers hanging down."