A BIKE fanatic killed on his beloved motorcycle 'rode like the wind' on his final journey accompanied by a procession of motorcycles.

As Stephen Fairley, 39, was taken to be buried at Accrington Cemetery he was joined by around 20 of his fellow bikers.

They swelled the hundred-strong gathering of family and friends who had come to pay their respects as the song 'No More Tears' from Ozzy Osbourne played.

Fellow biker Keith 'Gypsy' Chew, of Accrington, said: "He was one of the best blokes you could ever wish to meet. He'd give the last quid in his pocket if you were broke."

Stephen had been married to Anne-Marie, 37, who has worked for Hyndburn Council for 17 years. They had no children.

Humanist minister Eddie Royd told those gathered at the secular service that the couple had an exceptionally happy marriage and would easily be described as "soul mates".

Brother-in-law David Lamble said he had lost a good friend and thanked everyone for coming.

Stephen, of Royds Street, Accrington, was on his way to work at the Poundland shop, Charter Walk, Burnley, where he was a security guard when he died.

His Suzuki motorbike collided with a Peugeot 206 and Ford Focus in Accrington Road, Hapton, on Tuesday, June 24.

'Gypsy', a member of Accrington Motorcycle Club, added: "I've known him for donkey years. If he was any more laid back he would be horizontal.

"He would help anybody. If you broke down, he would stop and ask what the problem was and then help fix it.

"He would even run back to Accrington to get the spare parts for you. That was the type of man he was. He will be sorely missed."

In his floral tribute brother-in-law David, of Exchange Street, Accrington, said: "A brother-in-law who will live always in our hearts.

"A best friend who always had a smile and a joke for everyone and who brought light into our lives.

"No matter what, he helped where ever he could."

The tribute from his fellow bikers in the Accrington Motorcycle Club simply said: "Ride like the wind."