Motorbikes lead the funeral procession of Jason Mickelburgh who died when he was catapulted from his bike in a crash with a car.

The solemn cavalcade lead the coffin of Mr Mickelburgh, 37, a keen motorcyclist, from his home in Ridge Road, Sutton, through the nearby streets to his resting spot at North East Surrey Crematorium.

As the procession entered the grounds, Reverand Terry Wright joined the mourners and drove his own motorbike along the final stretch.

Mother Brenda, 69, and older brother Dean, 41, who lives in Newcastle, were comforted by friends and family as flower tributes – including one bearing his nickname Nips and another designed as a motorbike helmet – were laid inside.

At the funeral his mother told of her devastation at losing him.

She said: “My son Jason was full of life; he was happy, caring and sociable. He was always hard working through all his life; through the best and the worst.

“There will be a massive void, which will never be filled. I will carry Jason in my heart; I will miss and love him always.”

As service came to a close and mourners gathered to leave while Another Brick in the Wall by Pink Floyd played, Mr Mickelburgh's tearful brother spontaneously turned to those gathered round him and said: “Thank you all for turning up. He had a lot of good friends.

“It's much appreciated.”

Mr Mickelburgh was thrown from his machine into a field following a collision with a Suzuki Vitara on Gadbrook Road in Betchworth, Surrey, on Friday April 16.

The former Glastonbury School student was returning home from work when the crash happened.

He was due to sell his bike that weekend and had only chosen to ride it to work, because his car would not start.

Best friend Chris Edland, 38, from Sutton, had known Mr Mickelburgh since they were six.

Speaking after the funeral he said: “I didn't expect to see so many people here; Jason was loved by lots of people." During the service – which was organised partly by his neighbour and friend Jennie Williams, 42 – the song Leader of the Pack by the Shangri-Las was played as well as Wind Beneath by Wings by Bette Midler.

A 65-year-old man from the area was arrested after the crash following a breath test on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has been released on bail until June 16 pending further enquiries.

Witnesses can call the Surrey Police Collision Investigation Unit on 01483 639922 quoting reference number p10113494 Leave your tributes below