Hundreds of mourners paid their last respects today to three generations of the same family killed in a house fire.

Melissa Crook, 20, her son Noah and father Mark died on September 10 following a fire in the terraced family home in Chatham Hill, Chatham.

Melissa's estranged husband, Coventry car salesman Danai Muhammadi, 23, and another man are awaiting trial over their murder.

Melissa and Noah were laid to rest in the same coffin as police and ambulance crews joined friends and family to pay their respects in a service at St Augustine's Church, Gillingham.

The Rev Jonathan Jennings told the service: "Melissa said what she thought and did what she thought was right, just like her dad.

"She was never happier than when Noah was in her arms and they died together, Noah cradled in her arms."

Elvis Presley's Love Me Tender was played for Mark Crook, 49, who was a life-long fan and had an Elvis Presley clock.

Melissa's song was Handprints on the Wall by Kenny Rogers, while 15-month-old Noah was played the theme tune from the children's television show In the Night Garden.

The family have set up a memorial fund for the victims and donations were taken after the service.

Mark Crook's wife Amanda, who escaped the fire, did not speak at the service but wrote: "Mandy and the family would like to thank all of their friends and family for their love and support."

The service was followed by a private burial at Woodlands Cemetery in Woodlands Road, Gillingham.

For more on this story, see Friday's Medway Messenger.