IT WAS a brave and touching tribute, as teenager James Mutton sang a final farewell to his friend Jamie Gooda in front of a packed church of mourners.

Hundreds gathered for the funeral at St George's Church, Gravesend on Friday - two weeks after the fatal accident - including his mum Sharon, dad Mark, and brother Daniel.

Fighting back his emotions James sang the heart-rending Mariah Carey song Bye Bye, featuring the poignant lyrics:

"This is for my peoples who just lost somebody

Your best friend, your baby, your man or your lady,

Put your hand way up high, we will never say bye bye."

His life tragically cut short at the age of 17, Jamie - also known as Lil Gooda to his friends and family - died doing the thing he loved most.

On the night of Friday, June 13, the teenager, of Wilberforce Way, Gravesend, who had a passion for motorbikes and cars, was riding his moped when it collided with an HGV lorry on the A2, Watling Street, Singlewell.

Ambulance crews tried to save the youngster, but he later died at Darent Valley Hospital of his injuries.

At his funeral, a convoy of more than 20 mopeds and motorbikes escorted the hearse in a mark of respect as it made its way to the church.

The sombre quiet of his friends and relatives in the churchyard was suddenly broken by the sound of echoing bike horns saluting their friend.

Beloved

A pick-up truck carrying Lil Gooda's favourite Yamaha Aerox scooter, which had been resprayed by his colleagues from Swanscombe's High Cross MOT Ltd , accompanied the convoy.

A sea of baby blue - Jamie's favourite colour - could be seen as mourners made their way into church.

Several wore baby blue shirts and tops, while others pinned a coloured ribbon to their clothes, or tied one around their wrists.

The coffin, surrounded by "Grandson" and "Lil Gooda" wreaths, was carried in by his colleagues from High Cross MOT Ltd, followed by a troop of the 17-year-old's biker friends, some wearing jackets with RIP Jamie on the back - all consoling one another as they tried to come to terms with the loss of a beloved friend.

Onlookers failed to fight back the tears as the small blue and white coffin, with a picture of his favourite bike and the words Lil Gooda depicted on it, was laid next to Jamie's moped at the front of the congregation.

'You and Me' by Bobby Valentino was played - a special song which was shared between Jamie and his girlfriend Kennedy.

Special tributes were paid by Lil Gooda's teacher from Meopham Secondary School, Bill Darling, who spoke from the heart about his memories of Jamie - in particular his infectious smile and high-fives in the corridor.

Jason Menichetti from High Cross MOT Ltd, in Highcross Road, Southfleet, said the 17-year-old was an irreplaceable apprentice and would be sorely missed.

And as the funeral party left the church, George Thorogood's Bad to the Bone - one of Jamie's favourite songs echoed out - a final salute to the boy who loved the thrill of life.

To leave your tribute message to Jamie Gooda click on the speak out link on this page.