As we leave Prodigy fans to dance into the night, we say thank you for following us on a day we said goodbye to a music legend - and we don't say that lightly.

Keith Flint - what a hero. Thanks for all the memories!

Image source, Getty Images

Scroll down to see the afternoon's events, as thousands of people lined the streets of Essex to pay their respects to the 49-year-old dance music pioneer, who died from hanging earlier this month.

Today is a poignant reminder that if you are struggling to cope, you can contact the Samaritans on the free helpline 116 123, or follow this link to access support services.

Doug Faulkner
BBC News Online

The mood swung from wild raving to moments of respectful silence and others of hilarity as stories of Keith Flint's life were told.

Drum and bass music blared as revellers awaited the arrival of the funeral procession, before the thrum of motorbike engines could be heard escorting the coffin to the church.

As Flint's bandmates Liam Howlett, Maxim and Leeroy Thornhill approached the church they were cheered by the crowds who shouted "we are with you".

During the service some sobbed, others sang along with the music.

If you're just joining us, we've been following the procession and funeral as music fans paid tribute to Prodigy singer Keith Flint, who died at his home in Essex earlier this month.

Here's a round-up of what's gone on this afternoon:

• The hearse left Braintree at about 15:30 GMT and worked its way to St Mary's Church in Bocking
• The coffin of Prodigy star arrived at his funeral to the sound of heavy metal music, applause and a shout of "live forever"
• Music fans had travelled from as far afield as Australia to gather outside the church, with flags flying and floral tributes piled up in the churchyard
• A hearse with orange flowers spelling out "Keef" was followed by a second, drawn by four black horses
• One of Flint's dogs was led up the path to the church ahead of his coffin, which was carried by six pallbearers as the song Aerials by System of a Down played as the processional music
• His bandmate Liam Howlett followed in the group behind. Flint's wife Mayumi Kai arrived earlier with celebrities from the world of music
• The service included readings from Prodigy live drummer Leo Crabtree and actor Paul Kaye, and songs Days Like This by Van Morrison, Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd, That's Entertainment by The Jam and A Message To You Rudy by The Specials
• Following the service, hundreds of fans began partying in the street outside

These Prodigy fans have been listening to their music for 25 years and said they travelled four hours from Birmingham to be at the funeral.

"It was so emotional and perfect for such a lovely guy.

"We've got to thank the Prodigy for allowing the fans to join in today. It was amazing.

"But part of our history's gone and it'll never be the same again without him."

Stuart Howells
BBC Radio Suffolk

As the church service ended, fans gathered outside and began to cheer and chant "Keith".

And it's turned into a party atmosphere outside The Retreat pub, based opposite the church.

I reckon there's about 200 people partying on the street outside, with police keeping a watchful eye on things.

As the sun begins to set in Bocking after Keith Flint's funeral, fans continue to pay their respects...

As mourners start to make their way home, Wayne Harry from Colchester was among the people gathered outside the church to listen to the service for Keith Flint.

He said: "He was such an influential icon of our generation.

"It was a really sad service but it was good to see so many people here who thought so much of him.

"I first saw the Prodigy in 1993 and have followed them ever since.

"The energy he brought to the band... he'll be sadly missed by lots of people."

A minute's silence was followed by the Lord's Prayer and some final words from the reverend.

Image source, bbc

He said: "We thank the fans for the outpouring of love they have shown.

"Today, while we recognise we have lost Keith, his energy is still alive in us all.

"Keith's life force is in each and every one of you. Don't let that fire go out.

"Through you, Keith lives forever."

A private service for committal for close friends and family will now follow.

Delivering the eulogy, Paul Kaye read a tribute on behalf of Prodigy bandmate Liam Howlett: "You liked to live your life on the razor's edge for the buzz.

"You were an anti-star, a pirate and committed to our cause of shaking people's souls and buildings."

This story has just been relayed to mourners...

"Keith had a tendency of putting people on guest lists, not just one or two people but 50."

Doug Faulkner
BBC News Online

We've heard anecdotes about the band's recent tour of Australia and other stories at the funeral.

Some people are crying outside the church and you can still hear the hum of motorbikes that came with the procession.

One story spoke about Keith's albino python... apparently the band once went to do some Japanese press and Keith arrived with this big snake on his neck and all the press ran away.

Luckily no snakes seen so far today.