The anthem of his beloved Liverpool FC echoed around St Alphege Church as mourners gathered to remember the life of Ellis Martin.

The promising young chef tragically died after collapsing at work in Herne Bay last month, aged just 19.

You’ll Never Walk Alone played through the speakers of the Whitstable church as family and friends – many wearing football shirts and scarves – gathered to say an emotional farewell.

The moving service, led by vicar Rachel Webbley, came three weeks after football-mad Ellis suffered a fatal brain haemorrhage at French restaurant Le Petit Poisson on November 27.

One of his four brothers, Alex, 23, led tributes to the popular teenager, describing him as an “inspiration”.

In a eulogy read by the vicar, he said: “Ellis was all I could ask for in a brother.

“He was headstrong and confident – a cheeky chappy. We were similar in so many ways and different in so many more. I respected his opinion and he would also confide in me.

“I would be on his case to get out more and he would be on mine to stay in. I would spend more time in his room than my own.

“He will always be my brother and he brought a whole community together.

“I love you my brother, my pride and inspiration, never forgotten and we will see each other again.”

Ellis’s coffin was decorated in the colours and emblem of his favourite team and followed into the church by his family and many friends.

Among them was his step-sister Rebecca Johnson, who said: “We were close as children and he used to enjoy reminding me that he was three weeks older.

“He was my brother because of how he made me feel and I wish that he was still here. I am missing my brother more than words can say, but his memory will live on in us forever.”

Ellis’s younger brothers, Owen Ralph, 10, and Conor Ralph, 11, added their own tributes, which were also read by the vicar.

Conor said: “I used to love playing Ellis at Fifa 16 on the PlayStation 4. When he had a rubbish goalkeeper I would win. Ellis was the best chef and his roast dinners were gorgeous.”

Owen added: “I love you and miss you. I will have all your memories in my heart.”

A specially written poem was also recited by Ellis’s cousin Gemma Hughes, with mourners leaving the church to the sound of Bob Marley’s One Love.

Following Tuesday's service, a burial was held at the town’s cemetery before a wake at the Wall Tavern pub.

Ellis’s mum Stacey, 42, said: “I thought it was absolutely brilliant. It could not have gone any better and I’m sure he would have loved it.

“I would like to thank the whole of the community for their support.”