GRIEVING Gemma Bamford fought back the tears as she read a poem in memory of her fiance who died suddenly at the age of 27.

She bravely faced a packed congregation at the funeral yesterday of Craig Lee Salmon, who was found dead in his tractor earlier this month.

His funeral was held at St John's Parish Church, Marchington Woodlands, very close to the family home at Woodroffes Cliff Farm.

Gemma, aged 23, who became engaged last Christmas to the avid Stoke City fan and JCB worker, courageously read "When Tomorrow Starts Without Me."

The service was relayed on a public address system to around 200 mourners who stood outside the village church.

Reverend Charles Dale said: "He enjoyed life to the full. He will be deeply missed.

"His relationships and his good standing is all too evident in so many people that are gathered her today to pay their respects."

Mr Salmon's boss at JCB, Brian Bullock, said: "One of the many reasons I offered him a job was his hands on knowledge and experience of machinery.

"I was soon to realise just how diverse his knowledge was in many other aspects of his job and how invaluable as an employee he was to become."

A wreath in the shape of a JCB digger and one in the shape of the Stoke City emblem were placed at the graveside where he was buried after the 45-minute service.

Mr Salmon, who played football for AFC Marchington and darts for the village's Bulls Head pub, was discovered dead on his tractor after he went out baling at a farm in Willslock.

Post mortem examination results have so far proved inconclusive, but the family are hopeful they will know how Mr Salmon - who was affectionately known as Kingy - died in "two or three weeks."

Mr Salmon lived in Didcot Drive, Marchington, with his fiancee, Gemma.

He leaves behind his fiancee Gemma, parents Joyce and John and brothers Ross, Paul and Wayne.