A truck driver and lifelong Albion fan was given a fitting send off when he was carried to his funeral on the back of his cab.

Chris Couper died aged 62 and was described as a dedicated truck driver, Brighton fan and family man and even got to drive Albion’s float in this year’s Pride parade before his death.

As a final send-off, his “pride and joy” cab was adorned with pictures of him before his coffin was placed on the back for the funeral procession.

Nick Truscott, Chris’s co-worker at Brighton Carriers, said: “Chris was funny and had a wicked sense of humour. We were all wearing Brighton shirts and I’m a huge Liverpool fan – if he was looking down at us he would be laughing his head off at that.

Chris Couper, 62, was a dedicated Brighton fan, family man and truck driverChris Couper, 62, was a dedicated Brighton fan, family man and truck driver (Image: Supplied)

“He was a good friend and we supported each other. He was a character and he loved the job.

“The truck livery was a triumph from our point of view, it will stay on the truck as a fitting tribute to Chris.”

Born in London, Chris was a keen Albion fan and was at Brighton’s late win against Manchester United despite having just come out of hospital.

Chris dressed in his Albion shirt driving the truck during this year's Pride paradeChris dressed in his Albion shirt driving the truck during this year's Pride parade (Image: Supplied)

Chris was a coach driver and became a truck driver in 2018. His friends and co-workers described his cab as his “pride and joy”.

After his death at the end of August, the truck was decorated with photos of Chris with his friends, family and dog Indie who was never far from his side.

The truck was adapted to carry Chris’s coffin at his funeral on Friday and carried him up to the Amex stadium before his service at Downs Crematorium.

Chris truck, decorated with photos of himself, carried him to his funeralChris truck, decorated with photos of himself, carried him to his funeral (Image: Supplied)

Ben Lloyd, managing director of Brighton Carriers, said: “Chris was such a passionate man about lorries. He got on with everyone and we all miss him quite a lot.

“He was very, very happy to be part of the Pride parade with Albion.

“We wanted to do something a little bit special for him with the truck. It’s a thank you for all his hard work with us.”

Chris, who was born in London to parents Pauline and William, died after a short illness. He is survived by his daughter, Michala Martin, two grandsons and brothers and sister Bill, Phil, Dave and 'Wiz' with many nieces and nephews who he loved and was said to have a special bond with.