DOZENS of bikers rode through Keighley last Thursday to escort a well-known mechanic’s funeral cortege.

Kevin Gaughan’s coffin was carried in a special bike-and-sidecar hearse, while his friends rode his beloved trike at the head of the parade.

One mourner described the sound of the 70-plus motorbikes and trikes roaring past as “like a Vulcan bomber”.

The bikers, friends and customers from 55-year-old Kevin’s decades working in Keighley, travelled from as far afield as North Yorkshire and Lincolnshire to pay their respects.

They set off from Kevin’s mother’s house at Staveley Road in Ingrow – where Kevin grew up – and rode into the town centre and along Russell Street to pass his garage.

The cavalcade then returned to Ingrow for the packed service at St Joseph’s Church in Queen's Road.

Brian Langford, from Melia Family Funeral Care, said the parade of bikes “stopped the town centre”, as experienced marshals cleared the way at traffic lights.

He added: “The cavalcade was really dignified, very professional and a great tribute. It was very humbling.”

Mr Langford said the bikers also rode a "lap of honour" around streets in Ingrow, where Kevin had grown up.

After the service, the cavalcade set off to Morton cemetery, where Kevin was buried to the sound of Benny Hill’s famous comedy song Ernie (The Fastest Milkman In The West).

Kevin, a well-known member of Keighley’s Irish Catholic community, was born in Keighley and lived in Ingrow and the town centre all his life. He had four children from his first marriage.

He died at home on June 10.

Kevin’s widow, Alison, said he had various different jobs over the years, including as a builder and working at Keighley tyre factory Ondura, as well as running the garage repairing bikes and cars.

At one time Kevin was landlord of the Worth Valley pub near Ingrow railway station, and most recently he ran a bookshop.

Alison said Kevin had made friends with many bikers over the years, but only took to the saddle himself about eight years ago.

She said: “He’d always been friendly with bikers, but he had an accident when he was young on a bike so he didn’t want to ride.”

Alison said this was why he bought an old trike to repair, turning it into a distinctive vehicle so could join fellow bikers on the road.

Alison added: “He was a one-off, funny, generous and warm. That’s why so many people came out for him at the funeral.”