HUNDREDS packed into Chilterns Crematorium this afternoon to remember popular Bucks football coach Gavin Lance.

The former chairman of Penn & Tylers Green Football Club died on February 8 after a long battle with cancer.

Tributes were led by Brian Keating, who described Gavin as a "kind, compassionate and caring man" who left a lasting legacy by coaching hundreds of youngsters in both football and cricket.

The keen practical joker was a self-proclaimed ‘lethal striker’ in his youth, said Brian, playing for Flackwell Heath, Prestwood and Lacey Green, before joining Penn & Tylers Green.

He worked in the Wycombe furniture industry as a manager and salesman and married wife Jan in 1976.

They had three children and Gavin began coaching in 1988 when his eldest son Matt started playing for Penn & Tylers Green Under 8s. In his first season Gavin led the team to the league title and the side soon became the most successful in the club’s history.

The 58-year-old, of Taplin Way, Tylers Green, went on to help form Penn & Tylers Green Sports and Social Club, and the club was regularly "bursting at the seams" after he installed large TV screens and decorated it with flags, said former club official Mike Townshend.

"I know I speak for many when I say it was a privilege and a pleasure to know him", Mike added.

Mourners sung Gavin’s favourite hymn Abide With Me and listened to Queen song No One But You, before poems were read by Eddie Bellamy and Matt Miller, captain of his junior team.

The ceremony ended on Chesney Hawkes hit The One and Only, which had been the ‘theme tune’ for the all conquering Under 8s team.