Firefighters stood in line and formed a guard of honour to say farewell to their colleague, friend and watch manager, Chris Peacock.

Hundreds of mourners attended his funeral at Medway Crematorium, where his grieving family held a celebration of his life.

The 51-year-old, pictured below, was a crew manager at Thames-side fire station, Gravesend, where he collapsed while in the gym. He was off duty at the time, on Sunday, March 4.

Chris, of Leybourne Close, Walderslade, was married to Tina and had two children, Stacey and James. He was about to become a grandad for the first time.

Both Stacey and James paid tribute to their dad during the service, with Stacey telling mourners her dad was her soulmate.

Firefighters from across the county, along with many of his friends from the football world, lined up from the entrance of the crematorium to the doors of the chapel to form a guard of honour.

James was one of six people who helped carry his coffin into the chapel.

The service, which included some of Chris's favourite songs - including Fix You by Coldplay, was held at the crematorium in Robin Hood Lane, Blue Bell Hill, Chatham, yesterday.

For more pictures, pick up a copy of Monday's Medway Messenger.