But it was his 11-year-old little brother Danny who told mourners of the last time he had a hug from 21-year-old Jamie that brought a round of applause and floods of tears at the funeral yesterday.

More than 300 people, most of them wearing Jamie's beloved Manchester United football shirts, filled Kettering Crematorium.

Danny stood and addressed the mourners telling him of the time Jamie took him to his first football match against Newcastle United as a birthday treat.

He said: "I had never been to a match before, and when Man United scored Jamie hugged me and it was the last time he gave me a hug.

"You were the best brother in the world and you will be missed."

Football-mad Jamie, from Corby, was just 21 when he died following a car accident on May 3.

He was so popular, friends came to his funeral by the coach load.
Dressed in replica football shirts, they formed a guard of honour as his coffin was taken into the chapel.

There were no hymns during the 40-minute service, only songs including Snow Patrol's You Could Be Happy, and Please Don't Go by KC and the Sunshine Band.

Jamie's mum Pauline, of Danesholme, did not speak at the service, but a tribute to her son was read out.

He had always lived in the family home in Nansen Walk with his brothers and sisters, and went to Danesholme Infants School, like his dad Darren, and then on to Kingswood School.

"You were my life," said Pauline. "I felt so proud."

His father added: "I was so proud and honoured to have Jamie as my son. He will be sadly missed by many people."

Jamie's grandfather Robert Scott, 66, read out a poem he had written a few days ago along with his wife Gemma, 73.

The couple spent night and day at Kettering General Hospital following Jamie's accident until he passed away, and an emotional Mr Scott spoke about what Jamie meant to them.

Jamie was cremated in a Manchester United shirt that had been signed by players at the club, and it is hoped his ashes will be scattered at Old Trafford.