It was a colourful celebration of the life of a popular and kind young man who loved to entertain.

But it was also overwhelmed with sadness at the untimely death of a 17-year-old struck down by a rare brain cancer.

The funeral of Canterbury College student Sam Thorne on Friday reflected one of his bucket list ambitions, which he expressed to loved ones as he lay ill in hospital - because the teenager had always wanted to take part in a bike run.

And his family and friends made it come true for his final journey, when his coffin was carried from Herne Church to Thanet Crematorium by a special motorcycle sidecar, followed by dozens of riders.

Sam, a keen Herne Bay scout, helped his mum Linda with her children’s party business and loved dressing up as his favourite superhero character Spiderman to entertain the kids.

So the family encouraged funeral-goers to wear something red and blue for the gathering.

One even arrived on a motorbike in a full Spiderman suit.

About 150 people attended the service and Sam’s sister Kellyann Eskisan said the family had been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for a treasured brother and son as around 150 attended the service.

Mum Linda led the tributes and poems were read by Kellyann and Sam’s brother, Bill.

Linda said: “You were always so caring and always looked for the positive in everything, even while you were ill.

"You made sure we both looked for the positive and you kept smiling and fighting.

"Your courage and love with always stay with me.”

Guitarist and singer David Shepherd performed River of Dreams.

A committal followed, where Sam’s Spiderman-themed coffin was brought into the crematorium to Eminem’s Like Toy Soldiers.

Afterwards, Kellyann said: “It was a really lovely service and we are so grateful to everyone who came to support Sam and the family and make it special.”

Former Spires Academy pupil Sam was studying carpentry and lived in South Road, Herne Bay.

He first became ill in May and was later diagnosed with an untreatable brain cancer called gliomatosis following lengthy tests.

It was a devastating blow for the family, who now want to raise funds for the Demelza House hospice where Sam was cared for and died on September 2.

Kellyann has set up a fundraising page on Facebook.

“For my birthday this year, I’m asking for donations to Demelza Hospice Care For Children because their mission means a lot to me,” she says.

“I hope that you’ll consider contributing as a way of celebrating with me.

"Every little bit will help me reach my goal.”