Hundreds of mourners gathered to pay tribute to tragic hit-and-run victim Steve Simpson at a moving funeral.

Steve, who was just 17, suffered massive injuries and later died in hospital after being hit by a car while trying to cross the A127 at Pipps Hill.

Family and friends packed out Pitsea Crematorium on Friday, leaving only standing room for a service of hymns and tributes to "Bobby", as he was known.

Afterwards, parents Steve and Angela, of Theydon Crescent, Basildon, held a gathering at their home to personally thank all those who attended.

At the ceremony, Bobby's sister, Dee, 18, said their lives had followed similar paths for much of their time together.

She said: "This meant we shared most of the same friends. He always found time to make new ones, male, or especially female, but still found time for those closest to him.

"Not only was he my brother but he was also my best mate and will be in my heart forever."

Bobby was an award-winning kickboxer and boxer and a committed Christian, with many friends in both groups.

He also enjoyed watersports and spent weekends on the family motorboat and jetski with dad, Steve.

Bobby left school a year early to take part in an alternative education scheme because he was so keen to begin working.

He was due to start a new job at Argos.

(Right) Grief - Steve's family and friends make their way to the service

(Left) Steve Simpson

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.