Bikers ride with 'brilliant bloke' on last journey

Brian Dean was described as the "life of the party" by fellow bikers

More than 100 bikers turned out to pay their respects at the funeral of a 75-year-old motorcyclist killed in a crash.

Brian Dean, from Cottenham, Cambridgeshire, died on 18 June when a sports utility vehicle (SUV) collided with his bike in Fenstanton.

Fellow bikers turned out in force to accompany his funeral cortege from Cottenham to Madingley, describing him as "larger than life" and the "life of the party".

The driver of the SUV involved in the crash stayed at the scene, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving while unfit through drugs and has been bailed.

The bikers set off to accompany the coffin to a crematorium near Cambridge

Mr Dean was a regular "rocking the air guitar" with Cottenham Rock Club

His family has described Mr Dean - known as Wobbly - as "beloved", while music lovers described him as an inspiration who helped found Cottenham Rock Club.

Dan Phillips, 32, who runs the Cottenham Club, a social club in the village, said the bikers put on "quite a show"

"Wobbly used to run his bike show here and from that came the birth of the Cottenham Rock Club," he said.

"He was massive - everyone knew him and I don't think there was anyone in the world who had a bad thing to say about him. He was just one of those guys that everyone liked.

"You'd be surprised with how little hair he had, the amount of head-banging he could achieve.

"He was a brilliant bloke and I think this had got to be one of the best send-offs anyone could ever wish for."

Dan Phillips said the cortege was "the best send-off"

Bikers came from across East Anglia to pay tribute

Dawn Geer, 63, a club committee member alongside Mr Dean, the club's president, said she had known him for about 20 years.

"Wobbly would have loved it - he loved a good party and a rally so he'd be proud that all these people have turned up for him."

Biker Sam Harris, 45, from Trumpington, Cambridge, said Mr Dean was "a local legend" who he had known for more than 25 years.

"A very knowledgeable guy when it came to motorcycles and a really nice bloke as well," he said.

"Wobbly's bike show was the show to come to.

"It's a moving day and a sad day, but also a very special day - the likes of which we haven't seen for quite a while."

Christopher Lee, 40, from Arbury, Cambridge, said: "Wobbly was always the life of the party - drinking, dancing, going to rallies - and he had been to a bike show on the night he died.

"It's sad that we're losing a member of the bike community - but an honour to remember him."

Sam Harris described his friend as "a local legend"