MORE than 300 people gathered to pay their last respects to tragic crash victim Ashley Connell.

His girlfriend Rachel and friend Tom Riley led the tributes at the funeral of the 23-year-old at St Peter's Church in Salesbury on Friday afternoon.

Ashley died when he was the front seat passenger in a Honda Civic Type R which crashed into walls and a parked car in Mellor Lane, Mellor, on April 21.

A petition so mourners could sign up to the Lancashire Telegraph's Wasted Lives campaign was requested by the family and placed outside the church alongside a book where those attending could write down their messages and memories of Ashley.

Rev John Hartley read a tribute on behalf of Ashley's girlfriend Rachel.

The tribute said: "My sweet pea I know you didn't mean to leave me, I miss you so much, but I'll never forget your touch. You are the most caring person I have ever met and that I won't forget.

"We have had so many laughs. Although it's in the past I have my memories and forever they will last. You are my world, keep strong, and then one day we will meet again so, babe, I know you are in a better place but it hurts, I just want to see your face."

Childhood friend Tom Riley said: "Ash was a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. Whether he was having fun or getting into mischief he was always laughing. You could hear his laugh a mile away.

"It's an honour to have had you as such a good friend."

In an address Rev John Hartley also spoke on behalf of the family describing how he loved wearing his skinny jeans and lived for going out to clubs in places like Leeds, spending his Sundays recovering.

Rev Hartley told the story of a conversation Ashley and his mum had a few days before he died which brought some laughter to the service.

He said "Ashley said to his mother I wouldn't mind doing the vicar's job'. He said to his mother Do you have to be clever to do that?' But she said Why would you want the job of a vicar?' to which he said I would only have to work on Sundays and just think - all that wine to drink."

The funeral, described as a service of thanksgiving by Ashley's family, began with the singing of hymn Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise and was followed by a prayer.

Rev Hartley said in his address: "I have been asked to remind you if you haven't already, to sign the book of photographs on the table, but also to sign the petition."