‘You always lived life to the full but ours won’t be the same’ - community pays final respects at funeral of Pulham crash teenager Billy Hines

Billy Hines' father, left, on the back of the lorry at his son's funeral at Wortham. PICTURE: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant, Norfolk 2017)

Police and marshals were needed to direct traffic as hundreds of people arrived at St Mary the Virgin Church in Wortham, near Diss for a service in memory of the 16-year-old motocross and shooting enthusiast, who died in a tragic car crash with his two friends Dominic O'Neill and Kyle Warren.

As with his friend Kyle - who was buried two days before - crowds gathered outside the church watched in silence as Billy's coffin made the short journey from his home in Magpie Green to the church on the back of a lorry provided by Kyle's father, Daniel Warren.

READ MORE: Hundreds gather for Kyle Warren's funeral

Ahead were Billy's brothers, riding and revving their motocross bikes in tribute, with parents Jason and Mandy walking ahead of the coffin.

Friends watch as Billy Hines' funeral procession arrives at the church at Wortham. PICTURE: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant, Norfolk 2017)

As the heavy goods vehicle pulled up outside the church, those present - many of them wearing orange, the colour Billy's family most closely associate with the teenager - gathered round as Mr Hines and Mr Warren stood over the coffin of a boy many have said was taken too soon.

The pair then took Billy's coffin off the lorry before it was taken into the church while Meat Loaf's Heaven Can't Wait was played.

After an introduction by the Rev Adrian Watkins, who conducted the service, music including All Things Bright and Beautiful and Angel on the Breeze was played before a committal followed the service in the churchyard.

In a poem entitled Loving Memories of a Special Son included in the order of service, Billy's family wrote: 'To lose someone so special is really hard to bear.

The names of the three teenagers on the lorry carrying the coffin at Billy Hines funeral at Wortham. PICTURE: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant, Norfolk 2017)

'However hard it is though, we'll take comfort in the thought of all the memories we have and the happiness you brought.

'You always lived life to the full but ours won't be the same.'

Ahead of the service, Mr Hines said he hoped the day would 'show everyone how much Billy was loved'.

He also thanked the community for their support during the tragedy.

Billy Hines funeral at Wortham. PICTURE: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant, Norfolk 2017)

READ MORE: 'Such a beautiful soul' - tributes to teenager Billy Hines after Pulham Market crashAbout Billy Hines

Billy Hines' family said in a statement after his death that: 'From the day Billy was born he made everybody smile, he was loved by everyone.

'He was a funny, loving, caring, hard working boy and always had a cheeky smile on his face. He brought so much joy to everyone he met and touched so many hearts.

'He was as someone said 'one in a million'. Billy had many interests including shooting, beating on local shoots, he loved his motorbikes and cars.

People outside the church for Billy Hines funeral at Wortham. PICTURE: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant, Norfolk 2017)

'Billy will be forever missed by his mum Mandy, his dad Jason and his big brothers Ryan and Jack and all his family and friends. It is testimony to Billy, Kyle and Dom to all the support we have had as a family.'

Scores of other tributes have been made on social media and hundreds of people met at Morrisons in Diss a few days after the accident to drive in convoy to Great Yarmouth in tribute to all three teenagers.

READ MORE: Hundreds gather at emotional event at Morrisons in Diss to pay their respects to teenagers Dominic O'Neill, Kyle Warren and Billy Hines

The coffin is carried into the church at Billy Hines funeral at Wortham. PICTURE: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant, Norfolk 2017)

Billy Hines funeral at Wortham. PICTURE: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant, Norfolk 2017)

Many of the mourners wear orange, Billy Hines' favourite colour at his funeral at Wortham. PICTURE: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant, Norfolk 2017)

The lorry carrying the coffin at Billy Hines funeral arrives at the church at Wortham. PICTURE: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant, Norfolk 2017)

The motorbike riders in the funeral procession at Billy Hines funeral at Wortham, with 'Billy Boy' on their backs. PICTURE: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant, Norfolk 2017)

The names of the three teenagers on several of the cars at Billy Hines funeral at Wortham. PICTURE: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant, Norfolk 2017)

Many of the mourners wear orange, Billy Hines' favourite colour at his funeral at Wortham. PICTURE: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant, Norfolk 2017)

Many of the mourners wear orange, Billy Hines' favourite colour at his funeral at Wortham. PICTURE: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant, Norfolk 2017)