IT WAS a spectacular sight as scores of leather-clad bikers, some riding without helmets as a mark of respect, accompanied one of their staunchest supporters on his final ride.

Steven 'Pip’ Field, of Godinton Road, Ashford, who was born with polio, died of natural causes at the age of 46.

A popular character in the district, he was a rider with the 20-year-old Ashford-based Oakmen motorcycle club.

Fellow members were joined by up to 100 riders on gleaming machines from clubs across Kent on WednesdAy to escort the hearse from Station Road through the ring-road works on his final journey to Charing Crematorium.

After the service they returned for a traditional celebration of his life at The Albion Inn in Willesborough.

Instead of flowers, many made donations that will go towards the Help a Whale to Walk appeal, to send a disabled Charlotte Whale for her long-awaited operation.