Loud dance music echoed around a church as relatives and friends mourned the death of a teenage DJ.

Jamie Cassar, who died in a car crash, was remembered as a popular and outgoing student who enjoyed playing music at packed pubs and private parties.

Hundreds of college friends packed into St Mary the Mother of Christ Church in Crowborough to pay their respects.

Many broke down in tears as the 17-year-old's favourite songs were played and his parents, Gregory and Ilona, spoke of their loss.

The 17-year-old student had just completed his AS-level exams and hoped to become a pilot.

He died at the wheel of his father's sports car after a crash in the narrow lanes near his home on Monday last week.

Mr Cassar, 46, from Hartfield, told the teenagers gathered in the church to enjoy life but to think of their own family before taking risks.

He said: "All I've ever wanted to be was a father and a family man. I can remember the day Jamie was born and how proud I was to be a father.

"Unknown to his mother, I took him off and disappeared to Newhaven, where I went sailing.

"In a force six or seven gale I took him out and at the back of the boat held him up and thanked God for this gift.

"Jamie always had to push it a little bit further.

"We all wanted Jamie to have fun but we also hoped he would think of us before he did anything too silly.

"You are all as precious to your parents as Jamie was to me and you should also think of your loved ones. If you push it too far, this is the consequence.

"Jamie was a super kid and I just ask that you keep a piece of him with you."

Mrs Cassar, 43, said: "Jamie would have been so pleased to see you all here - he loved having so many friends.

"We decided to have him buried in Crowborough and held the funeral here because he loved his school and he would have wanted to be near you all."

The Roman Catholic funeral was supplemented by loud dance music mixed by an uncle using Jamie's favourite tracks.

Matthew Cassar, a fellow DJ, said: "Music is one of the things we had in common and I was so proud when Jamie took up the decks. I was so looking forward to turning the tables and listening to him play out.

"I know it's not normal to have a big PA system in a church but Jamie would never have forgiven me if we did not play his music how it was intended - loud."

Jamie's close friend Patrick Annington, 17, from Crowborough, read a poem.

He said after the funeral: "Jamie was a free spirit, loving, and he had no enemies and never held grudges."

The Reverend Kevin Griffin told the mourners: "I'm sure people are deeply distressed this afternoon and this is not an easy celebration for anyone.

"I'm glad to see so many young people because your presence here says more than any words we will hear said."

A procession followed the hearse from the church to the cemetery.

A teenager who was travelling in the car when Jamie was killed is making good progress.

The 17-year-old boy from Crowborough, who has not been named, is being treated at the Kent and Sussex Hospital in Tunbridge Wells.

A friend of the family said: "He is getting a lot better."