A FAMILY united in grief were joined by friends, including a showbusiness personality, for the funeral of a murdered schoolboy.

Michael Chapman, 16, died in the arms of his older brother David, 18, as they returned home to Sheppey Way, Bobbing, near Sittingbourne, in June.

On Wednesday, a four horse hearse, followed by more than 30 cars, carried him in procession through Sittingbourne, passed The Westlands School where he had been a student,

More than 100 mourners packed the ancient Bobbing church, among them family friend Bruno Brookes, a former Radio 1 DJ and a longtime family friend of Lloyd and Sue Chapman, Michael's parents.

* Lee Cowie, 18, of Beachwood Avenue, Sittingbourne, has been charged with his murder and is due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on September 11.

A FULL REPORT OF THE FUNERAL WILL APPEAR IN THE SITTINGBOURNE EDITION OF THIS FRIDAY'S KENT MESSENGER