Footballers and friends wept openly in Dorchester Abbey at the funeral of Oxford City player Robin Antonowicz, who died after a car crash.

They were among the 500 people who crowded into the Abbey. For many it was standing room only.

Mr Antonowicz, 23, from Elmcroft, Goring, died in hospital five days after the crash, on the B4009 near Wallingford, on April 15.

The service at the Abbey on April 29 was conducted by Oxford City's chaplain, the Rev Hedley Feast.

He praised Mr Antonowicz's commitment to sport and physical fitness, to helping young people and to being a fine role model for many in the game.

The coffin, draped in the team's colours, was carried into the Abbey on the shoulders of family, friends and colleagues.

Eulogies were given by Mr Antonowicz's father Joe, his partner Lisa Gunn and friend Ross Weatherstone.

His father said: "We were very proud of him and his achievements in his sport and at work.

"He lived for football and it was his inspiration. He put so much of himself into his sport and his work as a fitness instructor at Hightone Health and Fitness centre, in Wallingford.

"The testimony of how other people felt about him can be judged by the number of people here at his funeral, the number of messages on the Oxford City website and the depth of friendship and support given to us, his family."

Mr Weatherstone said: "His spirit will be with all of us and at all the clubs where he played. He was a true gent who inspired everyone and he will never be forgotten."

Ms Gunn told the packed congregation how much Mr Antonowicz, who was a defender with Oxford City, had meant to her.

After the hymns Amazing Grace and All Things Bright and Beautiful, a private cremation service was held, with a wake afterwards at the Queens pub in Mr Antonowicz's home village.

Donations made in a collection at the service will go to two charities, Keen -- Kids Need Exercise Now -- which helps youngsters with learning difficulties, and the PDSA animal charity.