Saturday 31 May 2014

Aguero would 'love to go to Barcelona', says City star's father as Spanish giants 'make £31m bid'

Sergio Aguero's father has revealed that the Manchester City striker 'would love to go to Barcelona' amid Spanish media reports that the Catalans have launched a £31million bid.

Barcelona hope to tie up a deal for the 47-cap Argentina international and know that their opening offer is likely to be rebuffed outright by City.

But new Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique is a keen admirer of Aguero and he will insist that the Catalans return with a higher bid if a deal could potentially be struck, according to Spanish website Sport.

Passion: Sergio Aguero's father claims he would 'love' to go to Barcelona amid reports of a £31m bid

Keen: New Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique is an admirer of Aguero and is driving the Catalans' bid

Aguero, 25, has a great relationship with Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Enrique is hopeful they can soon be club team-mates as well as fellow Argentine internationals.

With Aguero under contract at City until 2017, the club would be unlikely to even consider selling their prize asset for anything less than the £36m they paid for him in July 2011.

Aguero enjoyed a fine season at the Etihad despite injury, scoring an impressive 28 goals in 34 appearances as he helped City win the Premier League and the Capital One Cup double.

Star: Aguero scored 28 goals in 34 games last season as Man City won the Premier League and League Cup

Dream team: Aguero could soon be in the same side as fellow Argentine Lionel Messi at Barcelona

And his father Leonel del Castillo does not believe that Manuel Pellegrini will allow his star striker to leave for the club he has always wanted to represent, such is his importance to the side.

He told Spanish newspaper AS: 'He would love to go to Barcelona but Manchester City will make it impossible (for Aguero to go).'

Liverpool whisk Lambert away from prying eyes (but club doctor is spotted arriving at hospital) after striker arrives to seal £4m move from Southampton

Rickie Lambert has arrived in Liverpool for his medical ahead of a £4million move to Merseyside.

The Southampton striker, who was an unused substitute during England's 3-0 win against Peru on Friday night, was released by the Reds when he was just 15.

Now Lambert looks set to link-up with Brendan Rodgers' side, should he complete routine tests without hiccup.

On his way: Rickie Lambert (left, next to Adam Lallana) has arrived at Liverpool for his medical

Smoke and mirrors: Liverpool were very protective of their prospective new signing on Saturday morning

On arrival: The club's doctor Zaf Iqbal was pictured leaving Liverpool Spire Hospital after the medical checks

Hotshot: Lambert has been Southampton's talisman since they won promotion to the Premier League in 2012

The initial £4m fee will rise according to the appearances he makes, while the club were keen to keep his whereabouts under wraps.

He arrived at Liverpool Spire Hospital at around nine o'clock on Saturday morning; after the medical, a club car reversed right up to the entrance before bundling the striker into the back.

Lambert was then taken to the club's training ground at Melwood ahead of a flight back down to Southampton later in the afternoon.

The 32-year-old, who began his career at Liverpool’s academy, will be the first major arrival in what is expected to be a busy summer for the club.

He could even be followed by two of his team-mates from Southampton, as Liverpool are still negotiating for £25m-rated Adam Lallana and have also targeted Dejan Lovren to bolster their defence.

A boyhood Liverpool fan, Lambert finally looks set to earn his big move after a career largely spent in the lower leagues. He wasn't deemed strong enough by Steve McMahon at Blackpool as a youngster before moves to Macclesfield, Stockport, Rochdale and Bristol Rovers. Alan Pardew then spent £1million to take the target man to St Mary's in 2009.

Rodgers wanted the deal done before Roy Hodgson takes his side away to Brazil for the start of the World Cup.

Lambert scored 16 goals for club and country last season and will provide the Premier League title chasers with a different option up front to supplement Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

Odds on: A flurry of bets had been placed on Rickie Lambert joining Liverpool on Thursday

Ambition: Lambert will be the first major arrival in what is expected to be a busy period for Liverpool

Body found in hunt for missing nurse Rui Li who was last seen driving her Porsche away from Poole hospital eight days ago

Detectives investigating the disappearance of a nurse a week ago have discovered a body.

Rui Li, 44, was last seen leaving Poole Hospital in Dorset, last Friday and was reported missing to police by her family four days later.

The body, which police 'strongly believe' to be that of the nurse, was discovered in the boot of a silver Fiat Punto in Bournemouth, Dorset.

On Wednesday, police arrested a 60-year-old Bournemouth man on suspicion of murder and he remains in custody after detectives were granted further time to question him.

A 26-year-old Bournemouth man, who is also known to Ms Li, has also been arrested on suspicion of murdering the nurse.

Forensic experts have examined three addresses at Burnham Drive, Wolverton Road and St Clement’s Road, all in Boscombe, Dorset.

Ms Li’s distinctive Porsche Boxster, with personalised number plate L1 RUI, was found outside a property in Wolverton Road.

Police have released CCTV of the last known sighting of Ms Li, which shows her leaving the car park at the hospital at 6.17pm last Friday.

Detectives said she moved to the UK from China a decade ago and has worked at Poole Hospital since 2009.

They said Ms Li, who has a teenage daughter, led 'a private personal life' and officers were trying to build a picture of her lifestyle.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: 'A 26-year-old Bournemouth man, also known to Ms Li, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He is currently being questioned by detectives.

'Detectives have also been granted additional time to question the arrested 60-year-old Bournemouth man.'

Detective Inspector Marcus Hester, who is leading the inquiry, said yesterday: 'It is still absolutely crucial for the investigation to establish what has happened to Ms Li between Friday evening and Tuesday morning.

'I am hoping this image of her distinctive car may jog people's memories. Did you see her driving home that evening?'

Investigation: A police tent and screens cover the scene where a body was found in the boot of a parked car

Corden: The body, which police 'strongly believe' to be that of the nurse, was discovered n a silver Fiat Punto in Verwood Crescent, Dorset

Ms Li was last seen leaving the hospital and was reported missing by her family five days later

Colleagues at Poole Hospital, where Ms Li worked, pictured above, described her as 'funny and unique' and have urged members of the public to come forward with information

Det Insp Hester added: 'I am even interested to know if you saw the car moving around or being driven by anyone else over the Bank Holiday weekend. We are also building a better picture of her lifestyle, interests and friends.

'We know that she was a reliable and hardworking nurse at Poole Hospital, who was popular with her colleagues, and also that she enjoyed outdoors activities, including climbing.

'However, since moving to the UK from China around a decade ago, she has also led quite a private personal life.

'I am keen to speak to anyone who knows her well and would reassure them they are not breaking any trust by speaking to us.'

Her colleagues from Poole Hospital have appealed for the public's help in tracking down the missing nurse.

Forensic officers at a property near where Ms Li's car was found today (left) and searching another property in Boscombe, Dorset (right)

Police also closed a footpath which runs behind the back of a Burnham Drive address in Boscombe

In a statement released by police, they said: 'Rui was a big character in our small close-knit team.

'Funny and so unique, she was totally reliable, professional and conscientious to a tee. She is terribly missed by all of us.

'Her nature was gentle and serene and that is part of the reason why we and the patients love her so much. If anybody knows anything please let the police know and help us find Rui.'

Ms Li is described as a slim woman of Chinese appearance who is about 5ft 5ins. She sometimes wears glasses and often has her shoulder-length black hair in a ponytail, police said.

Police said she came to the UK from China with her daughter around ten years ago and has worked as a nurse at Poole Hospital since April 2009.

She currently works in the medical investigations unit. Her teenage daughter is now receiving close support from police family liaison officers, a spokesman said.

Lily Allen heads to Chiltern Firehouse wearing trendy see-through rucksack and killer heels

She has a perhaps unrivalled designer bag collection, but singer Lily Allen was keeping things simple on Friday night when she modelled a throwback transparent backpack.

The 29-year-old displayed her belongings in the on-trend accessory as she arrived at London's trendiest haunt, the Chiltern Firehouse.

Showing off a cigarette lighter, bits of paper and a mobile phone among other things, Lily was joined nightspot by a host of celebrities including her former nemesis, Cheryl Cole.

Style savvy: Lily Allen headed to London's Chiltern Firehouse on Friday night

Lily wore a cropped black hoodie and a grey baggy T-shirt and leggings - but gave her look a grown-up twist in gold metallic Christian Louboutin shoes which were just like Cheryl's.

She wore her new flame red locks in a top knot and had her trademark colourful manicure on display.

Earlier in the day, Lily posted a picture of her mismatched shoes and colourful accessories to her Twitter account, writing: 'Just another day at the office.'

Back to basics: The singer was modellling a see-through rucksack on her back as she headed to the venue

Dressing-up: Earlier in the day, Lily posted a picture of her mismatched shoes and colourful accessories to her Twitter account, writing: 'Just another day at the office'

No doubt Lily relished the opportunity to catch up with Cheryl Cole on the night, who was also partying with Simon Cole and Amanda Holden.

In a recent interview with Q magazine, Lily said she regrets her long-running feud with the former Girls Aloud singer, saying: 'I wish that whole thing hadn't happened. I like Cheryl.'

She added: 'She’s good on The X Factor, she’s pretty and she’s got balls. I like women who do well.'

Kiss and make-up: Lily's former nemesis Cheryl Cole was also at the party and wore similar heels to Lily's

The pair first began to feud in 2006 when Lily name dropped Cheryl on the B-side of her debut single, Smile.

Cheryl did not respond well to the track and when asked about Lily by chef Gordon Ramsay on his show, The F Word, the singer called Lily a 'chick with a d***'

Lily then reacted in force as she wrote a scathing open letter to Cheryl on her Myspace page.

Eurovision's Conchita Wurst sports bridal-inspired gown to Bill Clinton's Life Ball reception

Her latest outing was somewhat reserved given her raunchy antics onstage at G-A-Y last Sunday, but Eurovision Song Contestant victor Conchita Wurst still managed to turn heads courtesy of her sweeping white evening gown.

The bearded Austrian singer – real name Thomas Neuwirth – was in attendance at former US President Bill Clinton’s reception ahead of the 2014 Life Ball in capital city Vienna on Friday night.

But while the 25-year-old stood out as she sashayed into the opulent Palais Liechtenstein, there was a fashion rival in the form of British socialite Lady Victoria Hervey.

Ladies in white: Eurovision Song Contest winner Conchita Wurst and socialite Lady Victoria Hervey arrive at the city's Palais Liechtenstein for the pre-event reception hosted by the former US President

Hervey, 37, a self-styled former ‘It Girl,’ caught the eye in a demure white gown of her own, but while it lacked the plunging neckline afforded Conchita’s striking gown, its off the shoulder detail showed off a portion of her nicely toned upper body.

Matching the outfit with a pair of embellished pink and white heels, the socialite cut an elegant figure as she made her way across the ornate ballroom.

Stars arrived in Vienna on Friday ahead of the HIV research fundraiser, which kicks off with a red carpet and opening ceremony in Austria’s City Hall Square prior to the Life Ball and party in City Hall.

The bearded lady: Conchita - real name Tom Neuwith - opted for a plunging evening dress with striking patterned flourishes

On form: Hervey's off-the-shoulder gown gave her the opportunity to show off a portion of her nicely toned upper body in Vienna on Friday evening

Halls and yards around the historic building are opened exclusively for guests, who are treated to an iridescent show comprising live concerts, DJ sets, exciting performances and culinary surprises until the early morning.

Amongst those to touch down were Ke$ha, Billy Zane, Natalia Kills, Taryn Manning and former Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross.

This year celebrates the 22nd annual Life Ball with a 'Garden of Earthly Delights' theme that sees the area being set up in a variety of imaginative garden settings and floral displays.

The theme is reflected in the 2014 slogan for the Life Ball - 'Love is a bloom growing anywhere'.

The Life Ball aims to raise funds to fight against HIV/AIDS and to show solidarity with those who continue to live with the illness.

Side by side: Conchita rubs shoulders with fellow guests at the event

Special moment: Later that evening, Conchita gave a talk at the Red Ribbon Celebration Concert at the Burgtheater in Vienna

Goal looks at the high-profile players who will be absent from this summer's tournament after losing their battle with fitness A host of big names will miss the World Cup after succumbing to injury in the weeks leading up to the tournament.

Croatia's Niko Kranjcar paid the price for his exertions in QPR's Championship play-off final victory over Derby as he picked up a hamstring injury which will leave him on the treatment table for much of the summer.

Netherlands have been hit the hardest of all the teams in Brazil, with Rafael van der Vaart ruled out with a calf injury and joining Paris Saint-Germain right-back Gregory van der Wiel and Roma's Kevin Strootman (both knee) on the sidelines.

Victor Valdes tore his anterior cruciate ligament in what proved to be his last game for Barcelona against Celta Vigo in March and Spain will also be without Thiago Alcantara after the Bayern Munich man underwent surgery on a knee ligament problem.

England have already been robbed of the services of Arsenal winger Theo Walcott. The fleet-footed wideman ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during an FA Cup clash with Tottenham in January, and will not be on the plane to South America.

Two other players who had high hopes of being named in Roy Hodgson's squad, Tottenham pair Kyle Walker and Andros Townsend, will spend the summer recovering from pelvic and ankle injuries respectively.

France have been spared injuries to their main men, but back-up goalkeeper Steve Mandanda suffered a crack in his first cervical verterbra (neck) during Marseille's clash with Guingamp, which rules him out.

Injury woes | Falcao is another big name who has succumbed to knee problems this season

Colombia superstar Radamel Falcao seems unlikely to be fit in time for the World Cup after tearing his ACL during Monaco's Coupe de France encounter against Chasselay at the end of January.

The 28-year-old has been named in his nation's squad regardless, but faces an uphill struggle despite being ahead of schedule in his recovery.

Germany duo Holger Badstuber and Ilkay Gundogan will play no part in this summer's tournament. Bayern defender Badstuber has been out with a cruciate ligament injury since November 2012 and it is still not clear when he will return.

Dortmund star Gundogan has made just one Bundesliga appearance this season due to a back complaint and his comeback is also clouded by uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Portugal will have to make do without teenage starlet Bruma. The Galatasaray livewire suffered an ACL injury in January and will be out for at least six months. Benfica defender Silvio broke his leg in the Europa League clash with AZ in April and will not be on the plane to Brazil.
Japan captain Makoto Hasebe underwent a second operation on his knee in February and is yet to complete his recovery, but such is his importance to the national side, coach Alberto Zaccheroni has named him in his 23-man squad.

Elsewhere, Jurgen Klinsmann saw midfielder Stuart Holden ruled out with a fourth serious knee problem, which will keep him out of action for between six and nine months.

This week we're reviewing Arsenal's 2013/14 campaign - and we finish with a look back at their Premier League challenge.

Arsène Wenger was confident his side would make significant progress this season - and topping the table for 128 days was proof of that.
A sensational start to the campaign, inspired by the resurgent Aaron Ramsey, saw the Gunners take charge of the title race and they led the way going into the new year.

The questions were emphatically answered with a swaggering, confident display

However, damaging defeats away from home in some of their biggest games - coupled with injuries to key players - derailed their bid at a critical time.

Despite that disappointment, there were some highly-encouraging performances along the way - not least November’s 2-0 victory against Liverpool at Emirates Stadium.

Questions had been asked of Arsenal’s ability to beat their closest rivals in the lead up to the match, and they were emphatically answered with a swaggering, confident display.

Wenger’s side opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Santi Cazorla swept home the rebound after his initial header had hit the post.

The Spaniard again went close as Arsenal piled on the pressure, but they had to wait until just before the hour mark to double their advantage as Ramsey struck a fabulous dipping half-volley.

Liverpool threatened towards the end but the Gunners held firm to seal a memorable victory.

Watch highlights from our win against Liverpool at the top of this page.

Watch the striker interview himself, talking about scoring at the 2014 World Cup and why he does not do stepovers, to mark the launch of PUMA Tricks boots

Argentina star Sergio Aguero believes he can take the World Cup by storm and win the Golden Boot this summer.

No Argentine has lifted the top goalscorer award since Mario Kempes fired in six goals en route to glory as tournament hosts in 1978, with Diego Maradona, Gabriel Batistuta and Hernan Crespo having since finished as runner-up.

Aguero did not score when he made his World Cup debut four years ago but he has faith that 2014 will be the year he shines on the global stage having impressed with his goals at Manchester City this season.

"Of course I can win the Golden Boot! It's there to be won," the 25-year-old said in a new self-interview to mark the launch of PUMA Tricks.

"We could also win the World Cup but it won't be easy!"

#StartBelieving | Aguero's PUMA Tricks boots have been tasked with winning him the Golden Boot
Aguero might be considered among the best footballers in the world but he knows his limits - specifically, he tries to avoid dribbling trickery.

"I always wanted to try to copy the stepover, but one day I tried to do it in training and just fell over so I stopped trying to do it," he said. "Now I just play my own game."

Aguero is among a number of global superstars who will be sporting the new PUMA Tricks boots in Brazil this summer.

For more information on the PUMA Tricks boot and Nature of Believing, visit PUMA FC

Paul Pogba discusses life at Manchester United, winning Serie A with Juventus and Jay Z in Sportsmail's 'It's top secret'

Who is your sporting hero?

I am lucky that I get to play with my hero - Andrea Pirlo. I make no secret I want to become like him. He has won everything, and he has won it playing such an important role.

Flying high: Paul Pogba made 36 Serie A appearances last season as Juventus lifted the Italian league title

Hero: Pogba makes no secret of the fact he wants to play like Andrea Pirlo as he progresses in the game

What would you be if you weren’t a sportsman?

Because of the age I started playing I have never thought about that question, and as I am about to go and play in a World Cup I am glad that I have never had to think about that question.

Career highlight?

I can’t choose between the two league titles with Juventus and winning my first international cap for
France. They were both very special.

... and the worst moment?

My time at Manchester United. Of course when you are at such a big club you understand you need to be patient for your chance, but I did not feel respected or valued as a player or a man.

If your house was burning down, what one possession would you save?

I know it is an obvious answer, but just my family. I don’t have one material possession that means that much to me.

Struggle: Pogba did not feel respected or valued during his time as a Manchester United player

Favourite song?

Anything by Kanye West or Jay Z. Not just because they make good music - but they are an inspiration for young black men all over the world.

Inspiration: Pogba is a fan of American rapper Jay Z

What is the one programme on TV you can’t miss?

I prefer to play video games, but I do like to watch the highlights from the NBA.

Last film you saw?

The Wolf Of Wall Street and it was incredible.

If you could have dinner with three famous people, who would they be?

Zinedine Zidane, Jay Z, and Usain Bolt.

Can you cook? Best dish?

I can do easy things like pasta with chicken or pasta with fish, but in Italy you just need to walk out the door and you can have the best pasta in the world cooked for you.

Your favourite holiday destination?

I like to be where it is warm and have got even more used to the heat being in Italy, so I would choose somewhere like Miami Beach.

In a film of your life, who would you like to play you?

A young Will Smith would be a great honour.

Tell us a secret...

Both of my twin brothers represent the Guinea national team. It is my dream that one day they reach the World Cup and draw France - so that we can all play on the same field at the World Cup.

Dreaml: France international Pogba hopes to one day face his brothers, who play for Guinea, in the World Cup

Pogba, 21, is in France’s World Cup squad. He played 36 league games for Juventus as they lifted the Serie A title last season.

Is this Britain's vainest person? Barman who wants to look like ‘the perfect man’ gets £5,000 nose job on the NHS

A man who says he is seeking a celebrity lifestyle has been given a nose job by the NHS while it refuses to fund the cancer treatment of a five-year-old girl who lives nearby.
Sam Barton, 22, has boasted about how easy it was to get the £5,000 procedure and admits he only wanted it so he could look like ‘the perfect man’.
The operation was paid for by NHS Birmingham CrossCity Clinical Commissioning Group. Five-year-old cancer victim Kelli Smith has been told her treatment won’t be paid for.

Britain's vainest man: Sam Barton, 22 from Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, was given a £5,000 nose job on the NHS as part of his bid to become 'the perfect man'

She has suffered from neuroblastoma, an aggressive and often deadly form of childhood cancer, and has already had three tumours removed after a relapse.
She cannot get further treatment on the NHS, so her family are attempting to raise £500,000 so she can have it abroad.
Kelli’s father, Tom Attwater, 31, who has a terminal brain tumour, said last night it was wrong for the NHS to ‘throw away’ money on cosmetic procedures.
‘This man and anyone else should pay for themselves, unless they have a serious medical condition,’ he said.
‘I wake up every day with a terminal illness worrying about how to fund-raise £500,000 for Kelli’s treatment if she relapses. This is where NHS funding should go.’
Mr Barton, who lives close to Kelli’s family in Sutton Coldfield, admits he secured the cosmetic surgery by pretending to cry in front of his local GP.

Mr Barton had the operation, left, to try and copy the lives of people such as Joey Essex, right, who appeared on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! He said: 'I feel that if I mirror celebrities, like Joey, I will look and feel good'

‘Getting the NHS to pay was the easiest thing I have ever done,’ he said. ‘If you say it is ruining your life and you are a good actor it is easy. I can be very manipulative.
‘I said that all my friends are celebrities or glamour models and really beautiful and I am the only ugly one in my group of friends. If you don’t know what to say, just cry.’
Mr Barton, who works part-time in a bar and a supermarket, already had his nose straightened two years ago. He claims he could have had that on the NHS as well, but having it privately was quicker.
He says he has spent £20,000 for dental work, including full porcelain veneers, and friends and family have paid for Botox, eyebrow threading, tanning injections, body waxing and hair extensions.

The nose job was paid for by the NHS which has refused to fund treatment for cancer victim Kelli Smith, five

Mr Barton is also expecting the taxpayer to foot the bill for further cosmetic surgery, including another nose job, as well as having his ears pinned back and jaw reshaped.
He said: ‘I understand why people get angry when the NHS pays for people like me to have nose jobs, but when they make it so easy how can you blame me?’
He says he is friends with White Dee, who has gained notoriety after featuring in Channel 4’s Benefits Street, and says he plans to accompany her when she goes partying in Magaluf again next month.
On social media there are dozens of photographs of Mr Barton posing with minor television celebrities. He says he is trying to copy the lifestyles of people such as Joey Essex, who appeared on I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here!
‘It is my ultimate dream – as everyone wants – to look and feel like a celebrity,’ he said. ‘I’m chasing a lifestyle and I feel that if I mirror celebrities, like Joey, I will look good and feel good.
‘If the celebrities are spending all their money on treatments, I want to too. I will definitely go to the NHS first and try my luck.’
He said he has to wait 12 months before he can go back again. ‘I will just say that they had not done what I asked for and that it looks worse than before and do the whole routine that it is ruining my life and turn on the waterworks,’ he said.
‘I try to see a different GP every time so that they buy my story.’
Last year, aspiring glamour model Josie Cunningham, 22, had her breasts enlarged at a cost of £4,800 on the NHS using a similar tactic – by claiming her flat chest was ruining her life. Under NHS guidelines, cosmetic surgery should be funded only in rare circumstances ‘to protect a person’s health’.
Mr Barton’s procedure was paid for by the NHS Birmingham Commissioning Group after he was referred to a consultant by his GP.
A spokesman for the group said: ‘We do not comment on individual cases. All operations and interventions would only be undertaken on medical grounds and would require the approval of an appropriate clinical consultant.’
Other families whose children have been refused life-changing operations on the NHS last night told the Daily Mail of their anger at the case of Mr Barton.
Jake Foster, 13, was refused an operation that would prolong his life. His mother Debbie said: ‘It makes me so angry that someone can play the system like this. Crocodile tears may have worked for him, but we cried real tears, begged, started a petition and went to our local MP but nothing worked.’
Oliver Dockerty, three, was refused an operation that would allow him to walk. His mother Claire said: ‘What I don’t like is when people like this rub it in your face. People are struggling to get the money for procedures that could genuinely change someone’s life.’

Stephen's mother says her final farewell: Private funeral after hundreds of mourners turn out to give teenage cancer campaigner a moving thumbs up

The family, friends and those inspired by Stephen Sutton have today said goodbye to the teenage cancer victim, with 10,000 people having joined a 48-hour vigil in his honour.
A service marking the end of two days' thanksgiving was held at Lichfield Cathedral and was attended by his mother, Jane, brother Chris, and his loved-ones, followed by a private funeral.
Also present was comedian Jason Manford, who was among a host of celebrities to praise Stephen's courage in the face of living with terminal disease.
During the public service the Dean of Lichield said he was 'glad and proud to be part of the same human race which had as one of its examples Stephen Sutton'.
Outside, as his coffin emerged from the cathedral, the crowd of 1,200 burst into applause and then a symbolic 19 balloons were released - one for each year of Stephen's life - by his mother and brother.
The coffin was then driven away to the private funeral service as hundreds put their thumbs up - a salute Stephen famously used as he lay in his hospital bed.

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Celebration of his life: A huge number of balloons were released into the sky as a band played, soaring into the sky above Lichfield Cathedral

Last goodbye: Stephen Sutton's mother Jane Sutton and his brother Chris Sutton during a special service marking the end of a two day vigil in his memory at Lichfield Cathedral

10,000 people have paid their respects at Stephen's coffin in the past two days and his family will say a final farewell privately today

Pallbearers carry the white coffin from Lichfield cathedral in Staffordshire, where it has been kept since Wednesday

Stephen Sutton's mother Jane and his brother Chris, release yellow balloons as Stephen's coffin leaves Lichfield Cathedral

Still smiling: Jane and Chris Sutton watch on as Stephen's coffin leaves Lichfield Cathedral as comedian Jason Manford gives them a thumbs up sign

Inspiration: A bright yellow pillow of flowers rests on the coffin as the funeral cortege leaves the cathedral for a private ceremony as hundreds saluted it

Stephen, 19, originally started the fundraising drive on his justgiving.com webpage, but the donations have continued to pour in from people touched by his example since he succumbed to multiple tumours on May 14

Earlier, hundreds gave a thumbs up to the memory of the brave campaigner who helped raise more than £4million in the fight against cancer.
They gathered outside the West Door of Lichfield Cathedral to celebrate the work of the campaigner.
The 19-year-old died on May 14 from multiple tumours and has since been called Britain’s 'favourite son' and praised for 'showing others how to live'.
During the service, the Dean of Lichfield said Stephen's memory had 'energised people' both young and old, among them cancer survivors and sufferers, who had patiently filed through the cathedral since yesterday.
He said the enduring lesson of Stephen, from Burntwood, was 'to live not as a victim but as a free young person', adding that his inspiration was to 'offer an alternative to the bleak, mean view, we often have of life'.
Stephen's former headteacher, Stuart Jones, of Chase Terrace Technology College, said there was 'a collective pride' among students and staff at the fact that the teenager had been a pupil at the school.

He added: 'It is hard to comprehend how he found the courage, determination and energy to achieve what he did in his last few years.'
These achievements, brought together in a bucket list, included urging Mr Jones to join him in a 15,000ft skydive.
'I hated it, as I expected, but am really glad I did it,' he said. 'His spirit makes us want to be bolder and braver.'
Siobhan Dunn, chief executive of the Teenage Cancer Trust, said: 'What really matters is what you do with the time you have.
'The difference Stephen has made has been immeasurable.'
She said the charity would spend the donations 'supporting and developing' the trust's 22 UK units, services, outreach nursing units, and youth support workers.
'Young people should not be defined by their cancer,' she said, adding that the charity would continue to work under Stephen's ethos that 'while he may have cancer, cancer did not have him'.

Funeral: Jane Sutton, mother of Stephen Sutton, arives at Lichfield Cathedral with her son Chris, Stephen's brother, for the funeral today

Funeral: Jane Sutton, mother of Stephen Sutton, arrives with her son, Stephen's brother Chris, at Lichfield Cathedral this afternoon

Support: Stephen's family was cheered and clapped into the cathedral as they prepared to say goodbye to the 19-year-old, who died this month

Family and friend gather during a closing ceremony at the end of a two day vigil in memory of Stephen Sutton at Lichfield Cathedral

Moving: Hundreds had stood outside the church all day today and were among an estimated 10,000 people to see his coffin in the past 48 hours

Bbrightly-dressed percussionists in blue tunic coats and bowler hats played out the hearse in what seemed an apt tribute to Stephen, who was a drummer in the band Nothing Personal

Crowds: Hundreds of people gathered outside the cathedral as Stephen's hearse left the vigil

Cherished: Stephen's famous thumbs up - carried out as he lay in his hospital bed - has been adopted by people all over Britain

She said Stephen's 'positivity' was a driving force which meant his memory 'lives on in what we do'.
Ms Dunn said: 'How fitting it is a young person with cancer proved the catalyst to supporting many more young people with cancer, now and in the future.'
Concluding the service, the Dean said he was 'glad and proud to be part of the same human race which had as one of its examples Stephen Sutton'.
He added: 'It would be usual now, if this was a church service, to say 'rest in peace' but I can't imagine Stephen doing that.
'He'd say 'Live it up', so - one more time - let's give him a thumbs up.'
The gathered mourners, on cue, raised a thumb, before joining in a final round of applause.
After the service a steady tattoo from the Pandemonium Drummers, who performed for the London 2012 Olympic Games, followed.
The brightly-dressed percussionists in blue tunic coats and bowler hats played out the hearse in what seemed an apt tribute to Stephen, who was a drummer in the band Nothing Personal.
Earlier, as the 11th bell chimed at 11am, the crowd's thumbs went up and took part in a minute's applause. As the clapping died away, a lone voice from the crowd cried 'Go Steve', and a huge cheer went up. His funeral started at 3pm.

Emotional: Stephen's family asked people to act with joy and not wear black but for some the occasion today was too much

Poignant: Friends, family and those inspired by Stephen Sutton give a final thumbs up outside Lichfield Cathedral today where the 19-year-old's coffin has been for 48 hours

The 19-year-old succumbed to multiple tumours on May 14 after a determined fight and the Staffordshire church has been hosting a 48-hour vigil for the teenager, whose white coffin was visited yesterday by 7,000 mourners.
The Dean of Lichfield, the Very Revered Adrian Dorber, called it a 'phenomenal' display of human unity, for the man he said 'has become everybody's favourite son around here'.
Sarah Deeley, a care worker from Tamworth in the West Midlands, said she needed to come and say 'thank you' to Stephen for his example.
'He was just such a wonderful person, this is the least I could do,' she said.
Lucy Arnold, 42, a cleaner from Lichfield, who took the day off work to pay her respects said: 'Stephen made me think about life in a different way and he was amazing.
'What he did for the charity is astonishing, he is one of a kind and you can see that from all the people that are here today.
'I am sure his mum and dad must be so proud of him, he will change so many young lives with the amount of money he has raised.
'I know it is his funeral but it really does seem like a happy event, I think that's what he would have wanted.'

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