MOTORCYCLISTS turned out to pay respects ahead of the funeral of a former biker.
The funeral service of Ridley Nichol, who lived in Newton-le-Willows, was held at St Helens Crematorium on Friday afternoon (January 31).
An entourage of bikers led the hearse procession from Wargrave Road in Newton to the crematorium ahead of the service.
During his life Ridley raced in the Isle of Man TT and maintained a love of bikes even after no longer being able to ride later in life.
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An engineer by trade, he continued to repair bikes following his retirement and was described as always been on hand to help other people when they needed.
Ridley, who was 82, leaves behind son Alastair and daughter Stephanie.
Ridley (right) with Tony Goggin and an auto cycle he rebuilt
His family wanted Ridley, who was "a massive biker at heart" to have have one last special journey on the road ahead of the service to give him the "send off he would have wanted".
Alastair, 47, said: "Not many people know but back in the day my father used to race in the Isle Of Man TT and was so proud whenever he said to me that he got round the course.
"He still loved talking about bikes."
The entourage arrived at the crematorium at 2pm for the service.
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