Mourners have said goodbye to a Sussex barman dubbed Mr Friendly, who died after an incident on a petrol station forecourt.

Colin Stewart, 32, had a reputation for kindness and always being willing to help.

Many of those whose lives he touched said a final farewell at his funeral at the weekend.

The streets of Haywards Heath were lined by mourners as his coffin was driven through the streets near his home in Hanbury Lane on Saturday and hundreds of people then packed his local church.

Leading the entourage was the 16-strong Sussex Youth Marching Band, of which Mr Stewart was a member as a child.

The hearse was decorated with a floral decoration spelling his name and a wreath in the shape of his much-loved guitar.

Many people walked behind the hearse as it was driven slowly towards St Wilfrid's Church while others followed in cars decorated with flowers and draped with black ribbons.

The coffin was carried into the church by his family and friends, including his brothers, Paul and Davey Stewart.

Welcoming mourners, the Reverend Ray Smith said: "We are here, in contrast to what you are feeling, to celebrate the life of a person who was fun to be with and was always there for other people but whose death we cannot make sense of."

Mr Smith said it was Mr Stewart's kindness to others that made him so popular in the town.

He said: "He was outgoing and liked talking to everybody, treating them the same no matter who they were.

"He was Mr Friendly, a happy-go-lucky guy. He was generous, kind and considerate and would help anyone. He even once helped a train guard who was being attacked.

"He had strong opinions on almost everything. He was very much a pacifist and, for his friends, something of a mediator."

He said: "His death was a tragedy and a shock to many people.

"We are here with a mixture of feelings. It is important to remember Colin as he was in life - joyful, happy, laughing, an inspiration bouncing around, a lover of life.

"I have been told by everybody that they have very funny memories of Colin. These memories will remain with you from a man who has touched your lives in so many ways."

Davey, 35, battled tears as he read a poem entitled To My Dearest Family near the end of the service.

Members of the congregation broke down as the coffin was carried from church with a recording of Mr Stewart singing Robbie Williams' Angels was playing.

Colin, who worked at the United Services Club in Wivelsfield Road, was found slumped unconscious in his doorway at 2am on June 21.

He had been involved in an incident just after midnight at the Esso petrol station in Franklynn Road, Haywards Heath. He died in hospital on June 25.

James Venn, 23, of Highfield Drive, Hurstpierpoint, has been charged with his manslaughter.

His father, Mark Venn, 44, of Street Lane, Ardingly, has been charged with threatening or abusive behaviour likely to cause fear of violence.