FIREFIGHTER John Chanell was buried yesterday in the grounds of the church where he was married six years ago.

The 34-year-old died when his car was in a head-on crash with a police car on February 21. His wife Samantha, 30, suffered multiple injuries and had to be cut from the wrecked Vauxhall Calibra at the scene on the B2145 Chichester Road, near Selsey. She attended the funeral in a wheelchair. Historic Lyminster Parish Church, near Littlehampton, was packed for the funeral and many friends, family and colleagues had to stand. Aparade of West Sussex firefighters in black uniforms stood to attention as the coffin arrived, carried by John's colleagues. Many had been on duty on the night of the crash and helped at the accident scene. Ayellow fireman's helmet rested on top of the coffin. Colleague and best friend Martin O'Neill gave a moving tribute. He said: "Throughout his relatively short life John touched the lives of so many people. "His cheerful character and cheeky smile endeared him to everyone, young and old alike." John, of Selsey, who was an insurance agent based in Chichester, had been a part-time fireman since 1990, first stationed in Littlehampton and for the last 18 months at Selsey. During the recent Selsey tornado John helped dozens of residents as a firefighter and then helped with insurance claims. The Fireman's Prayer was read during the service and Celine Dion's love song from the film Titanic, My Heart Will Go On, was played. The music from Euro 96 was played while the coffin was being taken out. Selsey Station Commander Clive Brown said: "He was a real gentleman. "You couldn't have a bad word to say about him. He was so reliable, I've never known anyone like him." Littlehampton Station Commander Nigel Stringer said: "He was very capable, very easy-going and very likeable. His attitude was first class."

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