A KEEN and mischievous sense of humour was the thing that set Ryde Hutchinson apart from most people. And friends and family members made sure his funeral was conducted in a way he would have appreciated yesterday.

Ryde died in a road crash last Monday and his untimely death sent shock waves through the Twydall community and his former classmates at the Chatham Grammar School for Girls.

But despite the grief his family felt at his death, they made sure the spirit of 18-year-old Ryde lived on in the informal funeral.

An exact replica of the car used in Ghostbusters was used to carry his coffin to the Holy Trinity Church in Twydall, while many of the mourners dressed in bright Hawaiian shirts.

The decision to take a quirky approach to his funeral was made by his parents, John and Barbara Hutchinson, who said it was what their son would have wanted.

Ryde and his brother Ross had brought the car over from America after spotting it for sale on the internet. The pair had been working on the 22ft Cadillac since last April, and it was painted in red and white, with a red flashing light on the roof and a Ghostbusters symbol painted on the side. A Guinness flag flew from the car, in memory of Ryde's favourite drink.

Tunes from Radiohead, Paul McCartney and Groove Armada were all played during the emotional one-hour service, which was attended by over 200 people.

Tony Williams, Ryde's uncle, said: "Ryde was one of life's good guys, full of life and humour and with a very mischievous streak."

Prayers were said during the service for the families of Amy and Jim, the other two to die in the car crash in Blackheath, south-east London.

Ryde's body was then taken to Medway Crematorium at Blue Bell Hill. As his coffin was carried from the church the Imperial March from Star Wars was played, making people laugh through their tears.