THE crackle of motorbike exhausts echoed round the Yew Tree Brake Crematorium as mourners gathered to bid their final farewells to murder victim Sean Hook.

The 27-year-old's funeral procession was led by some of his friends who pulled wheelies on their motorbikes on the Speech House Road up to the crematorium chapel in tribute to the devoted dad who died last month.

So many family members and friends of the popular welder came to his funeral service that the chapel overflowed and some people had to stand in the car park.

The service was taken by the Rev Alan Wearmouth, Sean's former teacher at Lakers School near Coleford. He reminded those present that any thoughts of retribution for what happened to Sean was not the way forward.

He said Sean's biggest achievement was becoming a good, loving father to his three children – Connor, five, Ryan, three and Lilly-Mai, 14 months.

During Sean's school days, Mr Wearmouth said he didn't seem much interested in Shakespeare, but was great with his hands and could make anything out of wood or metal, like putting a VW caddy truck together.

He described Sean as a popular lad whose lifestyle was to work hard and play hard, and who possessed a smile that let him get away with anything.

Mr Wearmouth read a eulogy from Sean's partner and mother of his children, Donna Turner, who had known him since she was 16.

She said he was caring, kind and fun and her best friend, as well as her partner.

She said she hoped her children would grow up to be like Sean.

The service ended with one of Sean's favourite songs, I'm Sexy and I Know It by LMFAO.

l Ricky Enfield, 34, has been charged with murder and has been remanded in custody until April 24.