HUNDREDS of friends and fellow racers said their final farewells to motorbike racer Mick Lofthouse at an emotional service yesterday.

Bike enthusiasts and racing fans from across the country gathered at Accrington cemetery for the cremation of Mick Lofthouse a week after his death on the Isle of Man.

The crematorium chapel quickly filled with family, and at least 300 well-wishers congregated in the warm sunshine to listen to the service on speakers.

The body of the 28-year-old from Dudley Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, was carried into the chapel to the strains of music from one of his favourite groups Oasis.

And the distraught family urged Mick's friends to remember the popular racer with a drink and an Indian meal, and invited the crowd to a drink in Accrington town centre after the service. The Lofthouses also said Mick would have wanted his fellow bikers to follow in his tracks by continuing to race.

Mick, who was tipped to win this year TT races, was a popular figure on the circuit and in the Accrington area, where he was brought up.

The professional rider and former British champion was believed to be at the pinnacle of his career and his death, while practising for the world-famous event, has left many people stunned.

He was the third person to die at the notorious event this year.

A note from his brother John was read out at the service. Mick was described as a quiet but confident man, with a strong will to win.

The moving letter went on to say that John had gone from bossing his brother around to looking up to him and his achievements as they grew older together.

Mike left his mother and father, Arthur and Sheila, fiancee Rosa, who he lived with for seven years, four sisters and a brother.

The family have asked for all donations to go to the TT helicopter fund.

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