THOUSANDS turned up to give Geoff Duke a fitting send-off at the spiritual home where he became a sporting superstar.

On Sunday afternoon the hearse carrying Duke’s coffin went round the final lap of the TT Mountain Course route, where he became a six-time champion and a household name.

The lap was led by Geoff’s two sons, Peter and Michael, both mounted on bikes, and family members in cars bearing Geoff’s red rose of Lancashire insignia which he wore on his crash helmet.

Duke, who originated from Eccleston, and was described as the sport’s first superstar, died on the Isle of Man aged 92 on May 1.

Awarded the OBE in 1953, Duke won six world titles and the Isle of Man TT six times. He was also made a Freeman of St Helens in 2000 and the town hall's Union flag was flown at half-mast following his death.

A private funeral will be held this week and it is expected a service of commemoration will take place during the Festival of Motorcycling on the Isle of Man in August.