A great turnout for a great man - that is how Alan Wallis’ funeral was summed up by his father Paul.

So many mourners attended the service at Barham Crematorium that many had to stand outside.

Mr Wallis, 34, was found hanging from a tree next to the railway crossing in Sturry on Christmas Eve.

He had returned to Sturry, where he grew up, from Liverpool three years ago to work with his father rebuilding the family home in Hoades Wood Road.

His coffin was draped in a Liverpool flag and carried through the crowd by family members and friends to the tune of He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother.

The Cat Stevens classic Father and Son was played at the funeral.

“We used to play that song every morning when we were building the house,” said Mr Wallis snr.

Close friend Nigel Killeen spoke during the service, while The Script song The Man Who Can’t Be Moved was also played.

“It was a great turnout for a great man,” said Mr Wallis.

•For full story see the Kentish Gazette, out on Thursday, January 22