The heartbroken parents of a “happy” and “smiling” toddler who died unexpectedly in hospital have expressed their gratitude to funeral-goers.

Lauren Parrish and Jake Squire gave thanks to the Margate community after sections of the town were closed to make way for Archie Squire’s procession.

They took the little one to the QEQM Hospital on November 21 after he became unwell days after his first birthday.

But he died unexpectedly on the morning of November 23.

Following an excruciating wait of almost two months, the youngster was finally cremated during a teary ceremony on Friday afternoon.

In a heart-rending statement to KentOnline today, his parents, from Dover, said: “The funeral directors said they’ve never seen so many teary passers-by, even those in cars who stopped to look and that this is the biggest funeral they had done in 30 years.

“We thank Margate for their lovely pictures and for helping us send our son and best friend off as best as we could.

“Our boy literally shut down Margate.

“He touched the hearts of many and we can’t thank everyone enough for all their support.”

More than 100 mourners attended the service at Thanet Crematorium, as well as a large gathering at Manston Social Club for little Archie’s wake.

The procession went from Quex Park, through Birchington and Westgate and past Margate seafront where many waited to see Archie’s carriage – accompanied by four white horses and a fire engine.

His favourite songs were played during the funeral and included Sherry by The Four Seasons, My G by Aitch and Ed Sheeran, The Fireman Sam theme song and the In The Night Garden bed time song.

Described as a “happy little lad who was always smiling”, Archie is survived by his younger brother Albie as well as his mum and dad.

Ms Parrish, 21, and Mr Squire, 24, are awaiting answers on the circumstances of Archie’s unexplained death on November 23 - two days after he was admitted to hospital.

The family now hope to raise £6,000 to pay for a headstone for their son via GoFundMe.

Fundraiser organiser Nikki Escudier, writes: “With Archie now laid to rest, Jake and Lauren are hoping to raise a little more funding to help pay towards a special headstone to always have somewhere for family and friends to visit to remember their baby boy.

“However, these don't come cheap and so it would be lovely if anyone could support this updated GoFundMe to get Archie’s final project complete."

Within the post which has already generated £3,870, she describes Archie as having touched “countless lives” and his parents suffering a void “impossible to fill”.

“Archie's contagious laughter and smiles, and contented nature still resonate deeply with everyone fortunate enough to know him.

“His absence is overwhelming and has come with the most unexpected blow felt by family, friends, and the countless lives he touched for such a tiny age.

“The challenges of adjusting to life without him will continue forever and a void will remain impossible to fill.”

It describes Archie’s little brother Albie as never having the opportunity to play with his older brother and the family facing “difficult days ahead” with “many unanswered questions”.

“In honour of Archie's memory and to support his parents as they learn a new way of life without him, I've created this GoFundMe to support time of work for Archie's daddy Jake - there is no financial support nor time to grieve for bereaved fathers after losing a child.”

Speaking in December, Mr Squire, a refrigeration engineer, said: “Archie was a real daddy’s boy, always calling out “dad, dad, dad” no matter whose attention he wanted.

“His nanny and pops couldn’t have been prouder grandparents – Archie helped them both in more ways than he would ever know.”