Hundreds at funeral of 20-year-old Darlington crash victim (From Darlington and Stockton Times)
Send us your pictures, video, news and views by texting DST to 80360 or email us
Hundreds at funeral of 20-year-old Darlington crash victim
8:00am Thursday 16th August 2012 in News
By Steven Hugill
PAYING TRIBUTE: A guard of honour from Volvo and soldiers lead the hearse ahead of the service
THE family of a 20-year-old apprentice mechanic who died in a car accident yesterday said they would never forget his beautiful smile.
Chris Dennington, of Clifton Road, Darlington, died when his silver Citroen Saxo hit a tree on the B6279 near Ingleton, between Darlington and Staindrop.
Passenger Josh Bevan, 18, of Hill Top Terrace, Middleton- in-Teesdale, County Durham, also died.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at St Cuthbert’s Church, Darlington, to pay their respects to Mr Dennington, who was an apprentice at Volvo Trucks, on Teesside , and a former Territorial Army cadet staff sergeant.
His coffin was led into church by members of Durham Army Cadet Force, with Volvo colleagues forming a guard of honour.
Mr Dennington’s sister, Beverley, gave a reading at the service.
She said: “We are very proud of Chris and he had such a beautiful smile.
“He was always so happy, laid-back and relaxed and he will be massively missed by everyone.
“I never had a down time with my brother, all I have are happy memories.”
The service heard that Mr Dennington, a former Skerne Park Primary School and Hummersknott School pupil, enjoyed his life, but worked hard. Known to many as Chrissy, he studied mechanics at Darlington College, which led to his Volvo apprenticeship.
The Reverend Sheilagh Williamson said: “Chris was a big part of everyone’s lives.
He had a short life, but it was a full one.
“He was a fantastic son who was always polite, happy and caring, and was very loyal to his friends.
“He worked hard and out of 800 applicants, he was given an apprenticeship with Volvo and was going to do very well.”
Ms Williamson said Mr Dennington, who came from a large, extended family, also had a passion for outdoor life and enjoyed camping, shooting, archery and fishing.
It is believed Mr Dennington’s car hit a grass verge and drain near Kiln Lane before rolling on its side and hitting the tree on Sunday, August 5.
Mr Bevan’s funeral took place at Darlington Crematorium on Tuesday.
An inquest into their deaths has been opened and adjourned.
