Carl Davies' coffin, draped in a Union Jack flag, is carried into the crematorium (picture by Andy Payton)

Carl Davies' parents finally laid their son to rest today, almost five weeks after their nightmare began.

Hundreds of people made their way to the Garden of England Crematorium, Sheppey Way, Bobbing, where the ex-Royal Marine was given a military funeral.

Andy and Maria Davies, from Hollingbourne, decided to hold an open service so anyone who knew Carl could attend.

The cortege set off from Woodstock Sports and Social Club, Broadoak Road, Milstead, at 2.15pm.

After the service family and friends were invited back to the club where the wake was held.

Floral tributes left outside the funeral, which was held in Bobbing, near Sittingbourne (picture by Andy Payton)

Hundreds of Carl's friends and family gathered to pay tribute to the former teacher (picture by Andy Payton)

Speaking before the funeral, Carl's sister Kerrie Stewart said: "We want to give my brother the send-off he so thoroughly deserves.

"It's every person's worst nightmare.

"No matter what time of year, Carl's death would have been difficult but it makes it that little more traumatic when his funeral is just 12 days before Christmas."

The former Isle of Sheppey Academy and Sittingbourne Community College teacher was murdered in the south Indian island of Reunion on November 9.

It was initially reported that the 33-year-old had fallen into a ravine but a second post mortem, which was carried out a week later, revealed he had been stabbed in the stomach and struck about the head.

Carl Davies had been working as a security consultant on board a ship

Carl, who lived in Harrier Drive, Sittingbourne, had begun work as a security consultant on the ship Atlantic Trader at the beginning of November, providing the vessel with protection against piracy.

It is believed he had been drinking with two friends in the town of Saint-Denis before leaving in search of a taxi back to the port some time before midnight.

His body was found the next day at the bottom of a ravine.

A murder hunt was launched after police on the island ruled out theft as a motive for any assault. Mr Davies still had his mobile phone and money on him.

Carl Davies' coffin arrives at the Garden of England crematorium in Bobbing, near Sittingbourne (picture by Andy Payton)

A Home Office pathologist took Carl's body when it arrived in England on Thursday, December 1.

A third post mortem was carried out and an inquest into his death was opened and adjourned last Wednesday.

The Justice for Carl Davies campaign on Facebook currently has more than 8,600 members.