AROUND 100 tractors rolled through the countryside in a touching tribute for a 19-year-old "gentle giant".

Family and friends gathered in Copythorne for the funeral of teenager George Dillon, who died in a car crash last month.

Tractors, farming vehicles, and off-roaders convoyed from his family home off Romsey Road through the countryside he loved.

His coffin followed the procession with his family by his side as around 100 vehicles made their way through the village.

His family described George as a "gentle giant", adding he was a "country boy through and through".

Daily Echo: George Dillon, 19.George Dillon, 19. (Image: Angie Dillon.)

His mum Angie, dad Darron, sister Courtney, and her partner Dan told the Daily Echo: "George was a gentle giant with a huge heart always looking out for others.

"A country boy through and through, he loved the farming lifestyle and was a keen member of Romsey Young Farmers.

"He was impossible not to love with a smile that would light up any room.

"He lived life to the full and has left a trail of broken hearts. We would like to thank each and every one of our friends, family, Romsey Young Farmers and new friendships made for all their support and especially for giving George a send-off he would have loved."

Residents gathered on the side of the roads to watch the convoy pass through as it made its way to St Mary's Church on Romsey Road.

George died after his car was crashed into a tree along Lee Lane on the evening of Thursday, May 18.

George sadly passed away in hospital.

The Sparsholt College student was described as 

"an engaging, fine and upstanding young man".

A spokesperson from Sparsholt College near Winchester said: "The Sparsholt family would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Dillon family.

"George was a popular and very well regarded member of our community and as such his passing has been felt deeply by staff and students alike.

"We would like to pay tribute to the Dillon family who raised an engaging, fine and upstanding young man."

His family is raising money for the Romsey Young Farmers Club and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance in his memory.

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/angela-dillon?utm_term=VxaAqBY43 and www.justgiving.com/fundraising/angela-dillon1.