GRIEVING family and friends of Laureen Hammond clutched the tragic 20-year-old’s favourite flower and bid an emotional farewell to ‘Lollie’.

The funeral of the popular care worker was movingly observed by loved-ones and ended with an invigorating musical sentiment.

Laureen, from Sutton, near Woodbridge, died at the scene of a three-car collision on the B1083 at Bromeswell, near Sutton Hoo, on February 3.

She was remembered yesterday at Seven Hills Crematorium in Nacton, Ipswich.

Reverend Judith Andrews, from St Peter’s church, Chillesford, led the service. She asked those gathered to hold Laureen’s favourite flower, the tulip, and observe a moment’s contemplation.

Reminiscence was followed by prayer and a poignant poetry reading, which included the lines: I thought I felt your touch today, in the breeze that rustled by. And then I heard the angel say, “The spirit never dies”.

I thought I would miss you so, and never find my way. And then I heard the angel say “They’re with you every day”.

The dozens in attendance sang Morning has Broken and heard verses from 1 Corinthians 15.

Several wore hints of orange, on the suggestion of Laureen’s family, and the service was engagingly ended with a recorded guitar performance by brother Sam, and the spirited Get Ready for This by 2 Unlimited.

Laureen, who worked for Glebe House in Hollesley, was a dedicated carer for the elderly.

Following her death, 19-year-old Luke Burdakay, of Birkfield Drive, Ipswich was charged with driving offences relating to the incident.

Burdakay was charged with aggravated taking of a vehicle without consent causing death, causing death while driving uninsured, and causing death while driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Burdakay will appear at Ipswich Crown Court on March 3.