More than 650 people attended a highly-emotional Thanksgiving service to celebrate the life of tragic Sussex cricketer Matthew Hobden.

There was standing room only as family, friends, former school colleagues and cricket teammates packed into All Saints Church in Grange Road, Meads, Eastbourne, to remember the talented 22-year-old.

The fast bowler was found dead in Forres, a small town near Inverness and Elgin in northern Scotland, by police officers at 11.50am on Saturday January 2.

The full circumstances of his death are not yet known but officers are not treating it as suspicious. He was staying with friends at Dalvey House, a property set in secluded woods.

Zac Toumazi, chief executive of Sussex County Cricket Club, paid tribute to Matthew at the service, saying that ‘cricket was in his blood.’ ‘Matt was one of life’s very special people taken from us far too soon. He made time for everyone and people took to him naturally,’ he said.

‘He was an exceptional human being and he will never be forgotten. We are left wondering just what could have been because many said he would go on and play for England.’ ‘You may have left us Matt but you will never be forgotten.’ Mr Toumazi said a tree would be planted in the north east corner of the county ground at Hove and added, “It will grow stronger each day, just as Matt should have done.”

He also revealed that his shirt number would be retired out of respect.

Brother George said there was never a dull moment when Matt was around.

‘It was laugh after laugh after laugh with Matt. Every time he left the house he would come back with a funny story. We are all immensely proud of what he achieved. He told me he was going to play for England,’ he said.

‘He would do anything for anyone. He was passionate, friendly, funny, kind and loving.’ Brother Charlie added, ‘He will always be remembered for his sporting achievements and his sheer determination to be successful in life.’ The pair spoke about their last holiday as a trio together in Singapore and said, while there, Matthew had told them he wanted to play for England.

The eulogy was read by David Stewart, foundation and development director at Eastbourne College, where Matthew had been a student.

Mr Stewart said that Matthew was good fun, he made people laugh, he was kind and thoughtful, and he valued his friends.

‘He was a gentle giant who enriched other people’s lives. He was a naturally exuberant character with a Rolls Royce bowling action when it came to cricket.

‘He lived life to the full – some might say too much at times – but he made the most of every day. We can all take a leaf out of Matt’s book.’ Matthew was an integral part of Glynde and Beddingham’s senior squad aged 16 when they became the National Village Cricket Knockout Final held at Lord’s in 2009.

His cricket career soon took off and he played frequent first-class and limited-overs matches for Sussex over the past two seasons, having signed his first full professional contract in May 2014.

He was earmarked for a bright future and was one of six fast bowlers chosen to take part in the Potential England Performance Programme this winter.

The group were due to spend time in Johannesburg alongside the senior England side, helping with preparations for the one-day international series against South Africa.

England wore black armbands in their second test match against South Africa last month.