The funeral of a three-year-old who drowned after being swept into the sea in Fife has taken place.

Eryk Cieraszewski died after being swept into the Firth of Forth while he played in puddles on the esplanade in Kirkcaldy. The coastguard managed to rescue the toddler but he died in hospital on November 12.

Family and friends gathered at St Marie’s Church in Kirkcaldy at 11am on Friday for a funeral mass before a short service at the town’s crematorium.

Marta Burtan, a support worker with Fife Migrants Forum, has been working closely with the family since Eryk’s death.

She said: "This is a very sad day for all the community and the family and the wider Polish community. We have been touched by the outpouring of sympathy and support from the people of Fife since the tragedy happened.

"The family would like to say thank you for all the help and good words – it means a lot to them.

"We will continue to support the family through the difficult weeks and months ahead."

Eryk's mother Jadwiga Cieraszewska walked into the church supported by friends. His white coffin was carried in by staff from the funeral parlour.

Earlier this week Ms Cieraszewska said she had been "overwhelmed" by the support from the community. Flowers and messages had been placed on the esplanade after the accident.

Eryk had been playing with his sister in puddles on the esplanade when a wave came over and swept him into the sea through a gap in the sea wall.