Biker Fergus O'Connell's funeral at Grimsby Minster

Motorcyclists escorted Mr O'Connell's coffin to the funeral at Grimsby Minster

Hundreds of motorcyclists have attended the funeral of a motorcycling enthusiast in Grimsby.

Fergus O'Connell, 50, died suddenly at his home in the town on 7 November.

He was a member of the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), a riders' rights organisation, and wrote a column for its magazine.

Mr O'Connell's coffin was transported to the service at Grimsby Minster in a sidecar and was accompanied by fellow motorcyclists.

His brother, Dean O'Connell, said: "Fergus left a letter with all his requests and he wanted a big funeral."

'Ride of Honour'

President of the MAG Ian Mutch said Mr O'Connell was a "larger-than-life character".

Mr O'Connell was a volunteer officer for the MAG and "would have met a lot of people" said Mr Mutch.

"He was an exceptionally good rider who did a lot of mileage," he added.

The service at Grimsby Minster, St James' Square, was led by the Reverend Steve Holt.

The cortege consisted of a "Ride of Honour" of 12 motorcycles with hundreds of motorcyclists following behind.