Hundreds of mourners gathered for the funeral of a popular postman and firefighter.

Chris Brown died last week while out walking at Scafell Pike.

Originally from Broughton Moor, the 35-year-old lived in Parton with his wife Sam, from Egremont, and their two-year-old daughter Grace Harper.

A funeral service was held at St Michael and St Mary’s Church in Egremont - the same church where he was married just over a year ago.

A fire engine led the cortège and firefighters from Maryport Fire Station formed a guard of honour as Mr Brown was carried inside to ‘Jealous of the Angels’.

His family and colleagues, dressed in Royal Mail uniform, made their way into the church. His young daughter was wearing a Newcastle United FC strip - the club he supported.

Mr Brown’s fire helmet was placed on his coffin before the service began.

His wife read out a tribute, in which she described Mr Bown as her “soulmate” and “best friend”.

“If I was having a bad day Chris could always make me feel better. Although our time together was cut short, we made so many memories together.”

She added that Mr Brown would do anything for their daughter.

A eulogy was given by Dr Duncan Jackson, on behalf of the family.

Mr Brown’s parents said: “Chris was a caring, sensitive and loving young man. Chris was in his element when he could spend time with Grace and Sam. I know that the icing on Chris’ cake was getting married last year. It was the proudest day of his life.

“Losing Chris has left a hole in our hearts and the hearts of the whole community that can’t be filled.”

Mr Brown loved working for the Royal Mail - a job he had done for 15 years. It was well known that he would “help anyone on his rounds” and he “always had a smile”.

He became a firefighter in 2012, which “he loved with a passion”.

His family said he had “a sense of satisfaction and achievement” when he helped someone in difficulty.

Mr Brown was the second of five children and spent the early years of his life in Dearham.

He would often take walks and went to Cockermouth park with his dad, where his love of the outdoors and nature began.

The family moved to Broughton and Mr Brown attended Broughton Moor Primary School then Keswick School. He did well but always excelled at sport and outdoor activities.

Mr Brown always had ambitions to travel and see more of the world. He was looking forward to going on holiday to Tenerife, where he was due to have been going on the day of his funeral.

Mourners wept as the first song Mr Brown and his wife had danced to at their wedding - ‘Work Song’ by Hozier - was played.

He was carried outside to ‘Shut up and dance with me’ - a song he would get his mum up to dance to.

The Times & Star attended Mr Brown’s funeral with the permission of his family.