A roar of motorbikes led the funeral procession of 15-year-old Ben Quartermaine today as the popular teenager was laid to rest.

More than 400 mourners paid their respects to “happy” and “loving” Ben at a funeral service at Weeley Crematorium this afternoon.

The popular teenager, from Clacton-on-Sea, died last month after getting into difficulty while in the waters near Clacton Pier.

Ben’s coffin was brought to the service in a motorcycle side car, followed by dozens of bikers revving their engines.

East Anglian Daily Times: The funeral procession was led by dozens of motorbikes Picture: ADAM HOWLETTThe funeral procession was led by dozens of motorbikes Picture: ADAM HOWLETT (Image: Archant)

When the thunderous noise of the procession came to an end, a silence fell on the crowd as they took a moment to remember Ben.

He was then carried into the crematorium to the music of Wonderwall by Oasis.

There were so many of Ben’s family and friends at the service many couldn’t squeeze in the venue, so they quietly waited outside, listening intently to the poems and tributes to the much-loved young man.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dozens of motorbikes led the procession at Ben Quartermaine's funeral Picture: ARCHANTDozens of motorbikes led the procession at Ben Quartermaine's funeral Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Many of the congregation wore pink and sported a tiara – a reference to a family joke where Ben was baked a bright pink cake for his 15th birthday.

The service was a celebration of Ben’s life, his love of his motorbikes, his independent spirit and his talent for making people smile.

The teenager died after police were called to Clacton Pier on Thursday, July 26, to concerns over the safety of two teenagers in the water.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dozens of motorbikes led the procession at Ben Quartermaine's funeral Picture: ARCHANTDozens of motorbikes led the procession at Ben Quartermaine's funeral Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

One of the boys was rescued by an RNLI lifeboat crew however the search for Ben was called off when his body was found on Saturday, July 29.

Following his death, his family issued a heartfelt tribute to Ben, describing the circumstances of the teenager’s death as a ‘terrible accident’.

They said: “He was a happy, loving and independent boy who would go out of his way to make others laugh and smile.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dozens of motorbikes led the procession at Ben Quartermaine's funeral Picture: ARCHANTDozens of motorbikes led the procession at Ben Quartermaine's funeral Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

“Ben had a huge love for motorbikes and was often at bike events with family and friends.

“He was looking forward to his 16th birthday when he could do his CBT and get out on his own moped, which we were in the process of doing up for him as a present.

“He was loved by everyone that had the pleasure to know him and will be missed by all.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Dozens of motorbikes led the procession at Ben Quartermaine's funeral Picture: ARCHANTDozens of motorbikes led the procession at Ben Quartermaine's funeral Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

His family asked that donations in memory of Ben should go to the RNLI.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dozens of motorbikes led the procession at Ben Quartermaine's funeral Picture: ARCHANTDozens of motorbikes led the procession at Ben Quartermaine's funeral Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)