A procession of sports cars will make its way through Wareham town centre for the funeral of three-year-old Jaiden John Mangan.

The boy, who died the day before his fourth birthday, was involved in a collision with a Sainsbury’s lorry at a pedestrian crossing in North Street, shortly before 8.45am on March 29.

The road will be closed between 1pm and 2pm on Friday, April 27, ahead of the funeral service at the Priory Church of Lady St Mary.

As well as up to nine sports cars, a replica of the character Lightning McQueen, from the animated Pixar film Cars, will form part of the procession.

It will pause at the scene of the crash for a short time at around 1.45pm before continuing through the town and along St John’s Hill towards the church. The service will start at 2pm.

The community of Wareham was devastated following the death of Jaiden, also known as JJ.

A huge number of tributes were left to him on a bench at the scene of the crash including balloons, flowers, teddy bears, candles and messages.

Dorset Echo:

Fundraising pages were set up in aid of the family and to help them with funeral costs, one of which raised nearly £5,000.

In an announcement of his funeral service in the Daily Echo, he was described as the “beloved son” of James and Yasmin, the “best friend and genius little brother” of Miyah, and a “cherished” grandson, nephew and cousin. 

An inquest opened into the youngster’s death last week. It was adjourned pending a full hearing. The driver of the lorry involved in the collision, a 43-year-old man from Basingstoke, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

To leave a message of condolence or make a donation in favour of Focus Nursery (Jaiden’s nursery in Wareham) and Gully’s Place visit funeraldirector.co.uk/jj-mangan or contact Albert Marsh funeral directors.