Family and friends of Philip Robbins, killed in a car crash, said goodbye to him in a way he would have loved.

The funeral of the 18-year-old, who had a passion for singing and performing, was full of songs and laughter as well as tears.

And as the curtains closed finally on his coffin more than 200 mourners who had gathered at Basildon and District Crematorium in Bowers Gifford clapped, cheered, and roared: "Go on Phil!"

Even his father Michael, fighting back tears, wore a bright yellow shirt and pulled on a hat in the shape of a pint of Guinness to say goodbye to the son who brought happiness, laughter and smiles to those he knew.

Philip, of Romsey Crescent, Benfleet, died when the car in which he was a passenger crashed off the M3 in Hampshire on March 18.

The former King John School pupil had been in his first year studying English and history at King Alfred's College in Winchester.

Since his death the family had been overwhelmed by tributes from friends and colleagues but at the funeral it was his family and closest friends who led the mourners in remembering the outgoing young man whose love of singing and stage had seen him involved with numerous productions including those with Leigh Operatic and Dramatic Society.

The funeral began as his family had asked, with the coffin, surrounding by flowers spelling the words "brother" and "Phil", brought into the crematorium to the theme tune of 'Star Trek: the Next Generation.'

Even the minister, the Rev Gordon Bates, likened it to a final show of which Philip would have been proud. He said: "I have conducted a few funeral services but this is unusual. In the past week I have been called the compere."

Members of the operatic society sung 'Circle of Life' from The Lion King, friends sang 'More than Words' and 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life' and the mourners also listened to 'You'll be in my Heart' by Phil Collins and 'Simply the Best' by Tina Turner.

His father Michael said: "I remain amazed and proud of his skills at school, college and university, not because of me but in spite of me. He was the first of our family to go to university. He was hungry for life. I love you to bits Phil. God bless you forever."

The funeral closed with a song Philip loved to sing at karaoke and as mourners filed out they all joined in with Tom Jones' 'Sex Bomb.'

Philip Robbins

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