A MARKET town has been brought to a standstill as a community came together celebrated a young farmer’s life.

A sea of motocross riders gave one of their own a send-off to remember as Thomas Brown was carried to his funeral by his uncle’s tractor.

People lined the streets leading up to St Mary’s Parish Church, in Barnard Castle, as the 27-year-old’s cortege made its way along Galgate followed by colourful riders, many of whom wore Mr Brown's number 44 as a mark of respect.

A toy digger and wreaths were laid upon the specially adapted trailer carrying his body.

Mr Brown, of Marwood, near Barnard Castle, died doing a sport he loved when he crashed at the Hardwick Motocross track at Low Hardwick Farm, Sedgefield, on April 30.

He was taken to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, but died of his injuries shortly after arrival.

Mr Brown, who worked for Thor Atkinson and helped on his family’s farm, had been involved in motocross since the age of eight, while also being an active member of the County Durham Young Farmers for more than ten years.

As it was standing room only in the church, others stood outside with the service relayed through speakers.

The service opened with Solo Dance by Martin Jensen and it also featured All Things Bright And Beautiful and We Plough The Fields And Scatter with words changed to We Plough The Fields With Tractors.

Two friends, Trevor and Malcolm, paid tribute to Mr Brown during the service.

They told those gathered he was a prankster and the life and soul of the party, describing him as “an octopus of life”. 

They said he had also joked on a trip to Blackpool that he was a closet ballroom dancer, while he was known to take special care of his appearance and always made the most of life.

The address was given by Rev Alec Harding. He thanked Mr Brown's friends and girlfriend, Jordan, who had stayed with Mr Brown in aftermath of the accident.

The Northern Echo:

Thomas Brown who was killed in a motorcross accident at Sedgefield

Rev Harding also thanked investigators on behalf of the family for their continued efforts to work out how the incident happened.

He also spoke of how the former Staindrop Academy pupil was “full of mischief” at school and “on a visit to Barnard Castle School, where his sisters attended, he saw a key in a door and turned it – locking some teachers in a room”. 

He added: “When Staindrop School garden was netted off against an invasion of rabbits it was Thomas who brought a dead rabbit from the farm and snuck it under the net to confuse the staff: how did that get there? 

“And he could drive you up the wall with his mobile phone: winding you up and then surreptitiously recording you on film to heighten your embarrassment. 

“But he was also bright. Pen and paper might not have been his gift, but something came alive in him when he was introduced to engines. 

“It had been there when he was a little lad: always taking things to pieces and putting them back together again. And we have heard today from others of his love for his bikes and of his commitment to his work.

"He had found things that he loved doing and he poured his energies into them….covering the miles with his work, covering them even faster at play. He worked hard and he played hard."

Rev Harding said Mr Brown was often referred to as the “selfie king” and had an immense circle of friends.

Mr Brown was buried privately on his family’s farm following the service before his family – including parents David and Samantha and sisters, Eleanor and Charlotte – joined mourners at Barnard Castle Cricket Club.

The family have asked for all donations to go to the Great North Air Ambulance.

To donate, visit greatnorthairambulance.co.uk/donate or call 01325-487263.