VIDEO: Thousands line the streets in football colours for funeral of Bradley Lowery

THOUSANDS of people have lined the streets of Blackhall, County Durham ahead of the funeral of Bradley Lowery.

The six-year-old, whose brave battle with cancer captured hearts around the world, was a mascot for Sunderland FC and became best friends with star player Jermain Defoe.

Defoe, now with Bournemouth, attended the funeral in an England shirt, with David Moyes also among the congregation.

A piper led the horse-drawn carriage carrying his coffin through the village, which came to a halt to pay tribute to the little boy with the beaming smile.

Some released balloons as the cortege passed and a spontaneous round of applause broke out.

Mourners dressed in superhero costumes followed the funeral procession.

Bradley died a week ago in his parents’ arms at home following a battle with the rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma.

Six-year-old football mascot Bradley Lowery loses cancer fight