William Brown: Funeral takes place for boy killed in crash

William's coffin was wrapped in a Manchester United flag, his favourite football team

The funeral of a seven-year-old boy who was killed in a suspected hit-and-run crash has taken place in Kent.

William Brown was hit as he was walking in Folkestone on 6 December.

At his funeral, his mother Laura Brown said although his feet were so small, "the imprint he has left behind in this world is huge".

His father, also named William, added: "I am honoured to be your father. I have learned so much from you. You have moulded me into a better person."

Dozens of people attended the funeral both inside the church and by watching the service on a screen in the churchyard.

Mr Brown said: "William's drive and determination was infectious and admirable."

His mother added: "To be able to call him my son has not also been an honour, but a real privilege. These have been the greatest years of our lives."

The King had granted permission for William Brown to be buried at his local church St Mary and St Eanswythe in Folkestone, despite it no longer being used for burials.

The church had welcomed residents to sign a book of condolences and light a candle in memory of William

Ms Brown said William was "the fastest boy in the class [and] the first boy in the big pool".

At the funeral, Mr Brown shared stories about playing football with William and preparing him for the 100m race at his school's sports day, which he won.

He said: "William always put others before himself. He cared for and accepted everyone. He would not allow anyone to be bullied or left out."

William's father also used the occasion to warn others about road safety.

"I also just feel that William would say to me now, 'Dad, tell them about the roads'. So please take care on roads and drum into your children that roads are dangerous and there are no winners," he said.

William's parents also spoke about how he had told them he felt "peaceful" under the chestnut tree, beneath which he is now buried.

Crowds gathered outside the church to watch the service on a big screen

The Bishop of Dover, the Right Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, said this was a tragedy not only for the family, but also the "wider community".

She said: "Seeing the whole community saying, 'we are standing with you and we are mourning with you'. That is tremendous emotional and psychological support for the immediate family.

"Something that they will remember and something that will carry them into the future."

'A lovely boy'

Ahead of the funeral, family friends and those who knew William gathered in the churchyard.

Jim Perry, who has known the family for more than 20 years, said: "Little Will is a spitting image of [his] dad, that is what [his] daddy is like. I have watched Will grow up over the years."

His 10-year-old son Immanu'el added: "It must have been really sad for their family to lose such a young boy and we just came here to support."

Sarah Ford, a lunchtime supervisor at St Eanswythe's Primary School where William was a pupil, said the seven-year-old was "cheeky, funny and just a lovely boy".

A 49-year-old man from the Dymchurch area was arrested following the incident and is currently on police bail while the investigation continues.

William's mother had previously launched a fundraising appeal for the funeral.

Thousands of pounds had been donated to the Gofundme page within a few hours.

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