For weeks his name was known across Europe. But after mystery in Tenerife turned to grief for a Lancashire family, this was his community’s chance to say goodbye.

The sound of drum and bass filled the chapel at Accrington Cemetery as Jay Slater’s coffin was returned to a horse-drawn carriage before being taken to his final resting place this morning (August 10). Led by his family, a sea of well-wishers all followed to say farewell at his graveside.

Hundreds had already turned out to pay their respects to the 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer, from down the road in Oswaldtwistle, whose disappearance in Tenerife sparked a month-long search. Some arrived early outside the chapel where his service would be held – before the crowd swelled for an hour until the service.

Many wore bright blue outfits – a colour theme running through the funeral. Jay’s colleagues donned blue t-shirts with his name and the number 19, while some mourners wore blue ribbons to remember him.

As the teenager’s blue coffin arrived by horse-drawn carriage outside Accrington Cemetery, horns were beeped and blue flares lit on Burnley Road as passing drivers paid their respects. There were hugs for Jay’s family as tears flowed outside the chapel, while a version of ‘Forever Young’ played inside.

For the considerable number who were unable to fit inside the chapel, huddled underneath umbrellas as rain poured down, the service was shown on a big screen outside. It included a string of moving tributes and joyful memories from Jay’s friends and family.

One pal recalled: “Whenever you were round him, you’d just be buzzing and smiling. There’d be no bad vibes.”

Another remembered how Jay ‘used to light up any room no matter where he was’, before addressing his friend to say: “Keep partying hard up there. I will do you proud, my mate.”

Laughter erupted from inside the chapel as videos of Jay dancing were shown. The service heard how Jay ‘worked hard and played hard’, attending music festivals ‘as soon as he was old enough’, including Manchester’s Parklife and Warehouse Project.

Tales from Jay’s childhood were shared by his family, who ‘meant everything’ to him. In a tribute, his former football coach said: “You wouldn’t find a teammate with a bad word to say about Jay, just respect and admiration.”

As she drew the service to a close, the celebrant told mourners she hoped there would be ‘tears of laughter’ as well as sorrow as they remembered Jay today. She added: “Jay lived life.

“He was lucky to have such a loving family wrapped around him as well as such loyal friends.” Those loved ones were able to celebrate Jay’s life today – comforted by the fact that he can now, finally, rest in peace.