Hundreds turned out for the funeral of a young father from Harold Hill last week.

Luke Harwood, 18, died in May after suffering head injuries, and five people are due to stand trial for his murder next month.

His funeral cortege blocked off the A127 for around half an hour on Friday afternoon, and hundreds turned out in front of a shrine to him in the Hilldene Shopping Centre

The procession then made its way to the South Essex Crematorium in Upminster.

After his unexpected death, the Recorder highlighted how his family were trying to raise funds to give him a ‘big send-off’ at his funeral.

The Mayer Funeral Home offered to provide the funeral for free after reading the article.

After it took place, the firm’s director, Mary Mayer said: “Luke’s funeral went well and we hope the family and his friends took comfort in the splendid funeral that he had, it was important to celebrate Luke’s life, and with the horse drawn hearse, many flowers and the big attendance by so many young people, I believe the family took great comfort, having the funeral they wanted.

She added: “A permanent tribute to Luke’s life will be on our new website this weekend for friends to make comments and view his DVD tribute.

“Funeral service is not all about money and the bottom line, sometimes it’s simply about service to a family, service to a community, and I am proud of my staff who stepped up to the mark to serve Luke and his family at this sad time and only hope in some small way we have helped Luke’s family and friends to start the long road of recovery.”

One of Luke’s brothers, Scott, said recently: “Thanks to the funeral home and to the Romford Recorder. What you did for us was really fantastic.”

For a full report pick-up this Friday’s Recorder.

Did you know Luke? Leave your tributes below.