HUNDREDS of friends and family gathered to say goodbye to popular Lee Pennycuick.

The 31-year-old footballer’s funeral took place at Colchester Crematorium yesterday.

Crowds of at least 150 people listened to a broadcast of the service outside an already-packed crematorium while the service ended with the playing of Wet Wet Wet’s Love is all Around.

Lee, who died suddenly at home in the early hours of October 22, played football for Brightlingsea Regent’s Sunday side.

A Scottish piper and drummer led a silver hearse bearing floral designs, which spelt ‘3’ - Lee’s playing number - and ‘brother’, to the 2pm service.

The funeral was conducted by humanist Bill Stephenson.

He told the crowds: “There is noone now, nor has there ever been someone like Lee.

“He had a passion for life, which was obvious to all who met him, and he had time for everyone.

“To know him was to love him.”

Lee, a former Alderman Blaxill pupil who lived in the Hythe, worked in a number of jobs, including as a building site labourer, a ground worker and as a window cleaner. During his twenties, he also spent summers working in Zante in promotions.

A tribute to bearded Lee was read to the crowd by close pal Chris Smith on behalf of many of his friends, which labelled the Colchester United fan “the life and soul of the party” who “would get on with complete strangers”.

Mr Smith, who played football with left back Lee, added: “You could always count on Lee telling you he was the man of the match and the best player out there - even if he didn’t get onto the pitch.”

He also referenced the many “legendary” nights out Lee had shared with his friends in Colchester while Mr Stephenson told of how Lee responded when he was first told his long-term girlfriend, Steffi Jay, had shown an interest, replying: “She’s only human.”

In a statement read by Mr Stephenson, she told the crowds the pair were “lovebirds” and added: “I love you 500 billion, I will miss you 500 billion and I will cherish every moment we had together.”

She also revealed she now has Lee’s name tattooed on her wedding finger.

Lee was born in Germany where his dad, John Pennycuick, was stationed with the Royal Scottish Regiment.

The family moved to Colchester - Lee’s adopted home - 21 years ago.

After Mr Pennycuick left the Army, the family lived in Monkwick before a new job, as a kit manager for the Scottish Rugby Union, took him back to Edinburgh while Lee opted to stay in Colchester.