Friends lined a Cambridgeshire high street today ahead of the funeral of a much-loved teenager.

Ely Standard: Dozens lined the high street in Whittlesey on Friday October 2 ahead of the funeral of much-loved teenager Connor Lee Hawes. Picture: Supplied/FamilyDozens lined the high street in Whittlesey on Friday October 2 ahead of the funeral of much-loved teenager Connor Lee Hawes. Picture: Supplied/Family (Image: Archant)

They were there to say goodbye to 17-year-old Connor Lee Hawes of Whittlesey who died on Monday, September 14.

The hearse passed through the town shortly before noon to give more the chance to pay their respects as Covid-19 rules allowed only a handful at the funeral.

Connor’s stepdad, Matt Chapman, had earlier invited “anyone who wants to pay last respect and see him off you are all welcome to mourn on the street for Connor.

Ely Standard: Dozens lined the high street in Whittlesey on Friday October 2 ahead of the funeral of much-loved teenager Connor Lee Hawes. Picture: John ElworthyDozens lined the high street in Whittlesey on Friday October 2 ahead of the funeral of much-loved teenager Connor Lee Hawes. Picture: John Elworthy (Image: Archant)

“[It is a] heart-breaking day for all.”

Connor’s mum, Rachelle Oliver, said: “Covid-19 rules are strict, there are not many spaces at the funeral. Which is why we invited friends to pay their respects.”

He said the family would be following the hearse from the back gate of the funeral directors, in the old Barclays building, and then onto the Buttercross.

Ely Standard: Dozens lined the high street in Whittlesey on Friday October 2 ahead of the funeral of much-loved teenager Connor Lee Hawes. Picture: John ElworthyDozens lined the high street in Whittlesey on Friday October 2 ahead of the funeral of much-loved teenager Connor Lee Hawes. Picture: John Elworthy (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Dozens lined the high street in Whittlesey on Friday October 2 ahead of the funeral of much-loved teenager Connor Lee Hawes. Picture: John ElworthyDozens lined the high street in Whittlesey on Friday October 2 ahead of the funeral of much-loved teenager Connor Lee Hawes. Picture: John Elworthy (Image: Archant)