There were smiles among the tears when family and friends packed a Sussex church for the funeral of trainee RAF pilot Luke Lockyer.

The congregation gathered to remember his life as well as mourn the 24-year-old's untimely passing.

And they were urged by Padre Reverend (Squadron Leader) Eleanor Rance, who conducted the service, to keep Luke's memory alive by remembering him as a "great son, brother, friend and loving partner."

Luke had been stationed at RAF base Linton-on-Ouse, North Yorkshire. He was killed on August 14 in West Yorkshire when his motorbike collided with a Fiat car.

The service was filled with the pomp and ceremony of a military funeral but punctuated with recollections of his life.

Luke's body was brought into 12th Century St Mary's Church, Eastbourne, by RAF officers to the Green Day song Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).

A Union Flag had been carefully draped over the coffin along with his uniform cap.

The hall was packed to bursting point with members of Eastbourne Cricket Club, where Luke played, as well as friends from Bristol University, Park College, Cavendish School and RAF colleagues in dress uniform.

Luke's father David gave a moving tribute to his son and described him as a good friend to he and wife Stella.

Tales of his son's childhood antics with younger brother Adam raised a few chuckles.

Mr Lockyer spoke of his sadness at discovering Luke, of Denton Road, Eastbourne, and girlfriend Clara Howard had been house hunting and were to announce their marriage in the coming weeks.

Former flatmate and friend Flight Lieutenant Adam Curd remembered Luke for his love of sport, his intelligence and his recent role as best man for his wedding.