FAMILY and friends of Jason Rawlings turned out in force to say their farewells at his funeral on Tuesday.

More than 140 people celebrated the 22-year-old's life at the service held at the West Wiltshire Crematorium in Semington.

Mr Rawlings, of Bath Road, Devizes, was killed in a car crash on the A365 near Melksham on January 28.

The Reverend Bob Toogood, who led the funeral service, said Mr Rawlings was a popular man who loved his family and who had built up many friendships.

He said the turnout of so many of his friends was testament to Mr Rawlings.

Mr Toogood said: "Jason was a kind and caring young man, loyal to his family and friends.

"Unlike so many, he was not concerned about material possessions or the future. He was not worried about what food he was going to eat or what clothes he was going to wear.

"Friendship was a quality Jason had in abundance and he displayed this quality to all he met."

He told the mourners that Mr

Rawlings' death was untimely and it left people unable to comprehend why it had happened.

Mr Toogood, who is a friend of Mr Rawlings' family and who had known Mr Rawlings all his life, went on: "It is always difficult to understand and accept the death of someone so young. Many of you will have been asking God why it happened and I have been asking the same question."

Mr Rawlings' best friend, Michael Keeling, fought back tears as he paid tribute. He said: "Jason was always there for me and I hope I was always there for him. He will always be in my heart. Jason was so proud of his brothers. He was a simple man and he would have been pleased to have see you all here today."

During the service the hymns sung were O Jesus, I have promised and All Things Bright and Beautiful.

A poem was read by his relative

Caroline Coker, followed by prayers.

At the end of the service the song This is the Last Time by Indie group, Keane, was played as people filed out.

Among the floral tributes were those from his younger brothers, Matthew, 20, and Daniel, 17, who affectionately referred to him as their 'bro' and said they would "love him always".

Donations in memory of Mr

Rawlings were collected for Cancer

Research UK.

Mr Rawlings, who worked as a labourer, lived in Devizes with his brothers, mother Kim and stepfather Colin Heath.

His father, Stan Rawlings, lives at Lackham Park, Lacock, near Chippenham and Mr Rawlings was close to him, his stepmother Louise and stepsister Hollie.

After his parents divorced Mr

Rawlings moved from Lacock to Marlborough to live with his mother, and went to St Peter's Junior School for about four years. When he was 11 he went to live with his father at Lackham and went to Hardenhuish School, Chippenham.

A 21-year-old man from Devizes was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following the crash. The man, who has not been named, was released on police bail pending further inquiries and forensic tests.