MOVING tributes have been paid by the parents and best friend of murdered Clacton teenager Jay Whiston, whose funeral was held yesterday.

Weeley Crematortium was packed out as around 300 mourners gathered to say farewell to the 17-year-old who was stabbed at a house party in Colchester on September 8.

Dozens of fellow pupils from Tendring Technology College were forced to stand outside the crematorium as the service was relayed on speakers.

The coffin, decorated with the Cookie Monster character from TV show Sesame Street, arrived in a horse drawn carriage.

Family members paid homage to the A-level student’s favourite colour by wearing yellow accessories.

Police have arrested and bailed five people in connection with the incident, which happened in Marlowe Way, Lexden, and say more arrests cannot be ruled out.

During the service, best friend Jack Pennell paid his own tribute.

“Jay had great friends and lots of them as we can see here today,” he said. “He would have been over whelmed by all the support shown to his family.

“He was a caring, special, hard working and a student any teacher would want in their school.”

Reverend Alan Wright also read out tributes on behalf of Jay’s grieving mum Caroline Shearer and step-father Michael.

“Jay always took care of the underdog, he hated bullying and hated confrontation because to him it was a waste of energy,” they said.

“He would rather get on with everyone, which he did - we didn’t realise how many lovely friends Jay had until now.

“Jay would have wanted all of you as friends to go forward and never look back and to make him proud which we know all of you will do.

“Jay loved all of you as friends and as family more than words can say.

“He had such a focus on life and knew exactly what he wanted to do. He wanted to make his life worthwhile.

“He truly was and always will be a living, breathing, legend and angel.”