Hundreds of family and friends celebrated the life of scaffolding boss Ben Stone at his funeral today.

About 300 people packed into the chapel for the service, which followed dozens of friends walking behind the hearse as it arrived this morning at Thanet Crematorium in Margate.

Mourners spilled out of the building, with hundreds more listening on speakers outside to pay their respects to Mr Stone, who took his own life after struggling to come to terms with losing his brother, father and a close friend.

Mr Stone’s brothers carried in the coffin to the music Now We Are Free, from the film Gladiator.

The dad-of-three, who ran a scaffolding business, was found dead in Tivoli Woods in Margate on June 10 after suffering depression in recent years following the death of his brother, Lee Thrumble, 14 months ago, friend Luke Williams and his father.

Heartfelt tributes were read by Mr Stone’s brother Paul and sisters Jade and Paige, with Jade describing her brother as “one of the best to walk the Earth”.

His friend, Danny, said his “big white smile was contagious” and brightened the room when he entered.

Mr Stone's widow, Rachael, said she would "need a week to share memories” of her husband of nine years, adding she was instantly attracted to his “beautiful Colegate smile and olive skin" when they met.

“I would like to erase the memory of the last year because that wasn’t you,” she said. “We have such good memories.

“I’ve loved you since I was 20 and will love you until the day I die.”

The congregation heard about Mr Stone’s meticulous teeth-cleaning regime, long 30-minute showers and pride in his appearance and ability to recall vast details of football statistics. including FA Cup finals, scorers and even the referees from the games

The 34-year-old was known as Shine by his friends because of his big white smile, which was mentioned in many of the tributes.

Music including the theme to Only Fools and Horses, Mr Stone’s favourite TV show, which he could frequently recite by heart, and You’re My Best Friend by Queen, one of his favourite bands, were played during the hour-long service.

Mr Stone’s mother, Debby, described her first-born as the “perfect baby boy”.

“I was lucky to have you as a son," she said. "You must’ve been the only child who didn’t need to be told to have a bath or clean your teeth.

“You were and are so many things. You mean things to many people. Unfortunately you just couldn’t move on from Lee.

“I will miss you always.”

The eulogy read by his father-in-law said Mr Stone was “at his happiest” when he was with his children.

Many of the mourners were wearing green ribbons representing the Mental Health Foundation - a charity helping people suffering mental health, which donations have been collected for in Mr Stone’s memory.

His family are hoping to raise awareness of mental health issues in the wake of Mr Stone's death.

Mr Stone’s father-in-law, Colin, added he will he remembered as a “proud, strong and hard-working man”.

“Life became more and more difficult for him," he said. "He lost his brother and father. It was too much to bear.

“His eyes were blurred by mental health issues he had suffered for many years. He lost his way.

“On June 10 he lost his final battle. He was brave and courageous and is at peace now.”

Mr Stone’s brother, Paul Cummins, said people need to reach out when they are feeling down, adding: “Just talking and sharing your pain can make it better.”

Funeral celebrant Tara Snedden encouraged the congregation to make sure Mr Stone leaves a “positive legacy”.

She said: “For many mental health is swept under the carpet.

“There’s so much that needs to be done to counter the effects of mental health. One way is to support mental health charities in memory of Ben.

“Value your own mental health and live in the moment.”

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time.

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