Motorcyclists formed a cortege at a funeral procession in honour of a popular bike enthusiast who died following a heart attack.

Bikers from the Burgess Hill and District Motorcycle Club rode through the town to pay tribute to honorary member Bert Askew.

The popular 79-year-old asked to be buried in his distinctive white leathers which he always wore when he rode his treasured Italian Ducati through town.

More than 30 mourners attended yesterday's service at St Edward's Church, in Burgess Hill.

Mr Askew, who had been a keen member of Burgess Hill and District Motorcycle Club for more than 20 years, had his coffin covered in floral displays and a white motorbike helmet.

Mr Askew trained as an electrical technician and spent much of his career working with lighting in stage management, including work with the London Palladium.

During the Eighties, he worked as a technician at Warden Park School, in Broad Street, Cuckfield, and continued to help out with many stage productions at the school following his retirement.

His daughter Dian Smith, of Vale Bridge Drive, Burgess Hill, said: "He was very well-known in the community. He touched the hearts of so many people and was such a character. He will be sadly missed.

"We keep coming across people who knew him and each one has another anecdote to tell about him which is comforting. He was such good fun and always tried to help people out. If you had any problems he knew how to get round them and if he didn't he would find out for you."

Mr Askew leaves behind two children, ten grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.