Children from Hampton Hargate Primary remembered Jeremy “Jed” Holmes in song with a moving rendition of the Beatles’ Let it Be.

The youngsters were among hundreds of people who paid their respects to the headteacher who was found dead at his home in Welbourne, Werrington, on July 11.

Further tributes to Mr Holmes were led by his step-daughters Jane and Karen Rodger and Peterborough City Council chief executive Gillian Beasley.

Mrs Beasley said: “He would rather us remember him as the man we all knew. Passionate, caring, larger than life, fun, energetic. A man who touched the lives of so many and a truly exceptional human being.”

Among the congregation were council leader John Peach, Hampton councillor David Thorpe, headteachers from many of the city’s school and former pupils influenced by Mr Holmes over his 27-year teaching career.

Canon Bruce Ruddock, who led the service, called Mr Holmes “a special citizen of Peterborough”.

He said: “He was a headteacher, but not only that, he was a great inspiration to generations of children.”

Hymns sung at the service included Praise My Soul, The King of Heaven, Make Me a Channel of Your Peace and Be Thou My Vision, O Lord of My Heart.

There were readings by David Remnant, a member of Oundle Golf Club, and Janet Craib, the chair of governors at Hampton Hargate Primary.

Speaking to The Evening Telegraph on Thursday, acting headteacher Sarah Moss said: “Jed is never far from our thoughts. At this time, it would be his wish that we keep the children as our main focus.

“The new term has begun in its usual manner. The children are excited to be back in school catching up with their friends and meeting their new teachers.

“We chose Let it Be, as the children felt it was a beautiful song and one that Jed would enjoy.”

Mr Holmes’s best friend John Yardy, who is the headteacher at Oakdale Primary School, in Oakdale Avenue, Stanground, alerted police after hearing Mr Holmes had failed to turn up for work.