DOZENS of bikers turned out to escort a retired motor mechanic on his last ride in a hearse carried on a side car this morning.

George Cranmer, 82, of Old Penshaw, on Wearside, who was passionate about motorcycles and taught hundreds of young people how to ride safely and maintain them, died after short illness.

Motorcyclists turned out in force to accompany a Triumph Bonneville with a side care leading a procession to a humanist funeral service at Sunderland Crematorium.

Mr Cranmer’s coffin was covered by a wreath of vegetable in memory of his passion for his allotment.

The motorcycles all revved up to give him a “last blast” before he was carried into the service to the playing of the Formula One theme tune – Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain.

Paying tribute before the service, his daughter Sharron said: “My father very much a quiet and shy man who himself to himself.

“Being the centre of attention like this, with all these motorcycles turning out, would make him laugh out loud.

“He would appreciate that people have given up their time too escort him on his last ride.”

Mr Cranmer was a keen motocross rider in his younger days, taking part in sand races throughout the region.

Son Jeff said: “He was known for his trademark striped woolly jumper and white socks worn over his boots.

“He raced against some of the top names of the time, including Arthur Lampkin who went on to become a world champion.”

Mr Cranmer, who won several trophies, worked as a motorbike mechanic for Tom Cowie’s motorcycle shop, in Sunderland, for 25 years.

His wife, Yvonne recalled fondly how his friends and colleagues turned up at their wedding and created an arch for them using motorcycle exhausts.

When he was not working, Mr Cranmer spent most of his spare time volunteering at the New Herrington YMCA, where he taught hundreds of young people how to ride motorcycles safely.

Sharron said: “My father was always a generous person, looking after other people.

“He did everything for everybody and always had a smile on his face.”

He later ran a Youth Training Scheme teaching young people motorcycle maintenance.

In his his retirement he helped out his friend John Smith at his business NorthEast Wheelbuilding.