Hundreds have said the final goodbyes to a teenager who died after falling into the River Medway.

Family and friends packed into the chapel at Strood cemetery for the funeral of 18-year-old Ben Savage. He died after falling into the river following a night out at the Tap N Tin in Chatham on December 5, last year.

His friends walked behind the funeral car as it made its way from his home in Sycamore Road, Strood.

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Mourners were asked to wear something red or blue – red was Ben’s favourite colour and blue became the colour of the Find Ben Facebook page.

Among those who turned up to pay their respects were volunteers from Medway Coastguard who helped with the eight-week search for Ben after he went missing.

At Ben’s graveside, thanks were given to the rescue teams who worked around the clock until he was found on February 1.

A statement from Medway Coastguard said: "Today members of the Medway Coastguard Rescue Team attended the funeral of Ben Savage.

"This is, in HM Coastguard terms, historically something that has only been undertaken if a colleague from the Coastguard Rescue Service, or a colleague from the other Emergency Services is lost in the line of duty.

"On this occasion we have broken with that tradition and history to pay our respects and say farewell to a young man who’s disappearance last December has touched the hearts of many, ourselves included.

"We are so sorry for the family’s loss, but grateful that we could at least assist in bringing him back to them so he can be remembered as the loving son, brother, nephew, uncle and grandson that he was.

"Our condolences today are with the family and friends who have today laid to rest their loved one.

"Rest in Peace Ben - your memory shall live on for many years to come in the hearts of many not only across the Medway Towns and Kent as a whole, but all of the UK."

Video: Hundreds attended Ben Savage's funeral

During the service, Ben’s best friend Joe, who he had known since primary school, shared his memories. He said Ben loved being silly and always made people laugh.

Tributes were read from Ben’s grandparents and his parents.

His parents said: “Losing Ben has affected so many people and we know from the response to his disappearance and then passing that he will always be missed and remembered.

“For us as a family, there will now always be a void in our family. Words can never describe how we, as a family, are feeling now our Benny Pop is no longer with us in person.

“What we do draw strength from is the comfort that he is now watching down on us and being cared for by his two adorable great granddads, Ray and Harry. After the long eight weeks we waited for Ben’s return we get comfort from knowing he is now in safe arms, in a safe place.”

Ben’s friends released red and blue balloons before the service and more were released at his graveside before the committal.

The service ended with the song See You Again by Wiz Khalifa.