FAMILY and friends of a talented teenage musician who died in a horrific crash have gathered to say a final farewell.

Among the many mourners at the funeral of James Simmons were musicians from Colchester and District Pipes and Drums, of which James was a member.

James, 18, of Hillside Gardens, Braintree, had been a leading drummer with the band and bandmates led yesterday’s funeral procession to Three Counties Crematorium, High Garrett.

Music student James died in the head-on crash in Braintree Road, Gosfield, on December 7.

The accident also claimed the life of his friend, Coz Powell, 21 and many of Coz’s family and friends were present yesterday.

Former Notley High School pupil James, who had been on a diploma in music technology at the College at Braintree, was a rear seat passenger in a Volkswagen Polo which was in collision with a Ford Fiesta.

Hundreds came to the crematorium for the service, with some squeezing into the foyer and many more listening to the service on speakers outside.

The song, When September Ends by the band, Green Day, was played as James’s coffin was carried into the crematorium by pallbearers including his father, Mike, and friend Jordan Heady.

A song written by his sister, Amanda, was played and a eulogy, written by his other sister Tina, was read.

It said: “My dear brother James, I have such fond memories of our time together. I wish we could have so many more.

“Keep rocking my baby brother.”

Speaking at the funeral, Richard Nolan, his college course leader, said: “James was an exceptionally friendly, talented and popular student.

“He was fierce in the world of music – and he was loud on those drums! He was a pleasure to teach and, although I could never get him off Facebook, I felt he would succeed in life.”

After the service, mourners walked out of the crematorium to the strains of a lone piper playing Amazing Grace, before attending a wake at Cressing Sports and Social Club.

Donations were requested to to the College at Braintree’s