HUNDREDS of bikers turned out at a village church to pay tribute to a motorcycle champion who died just two days after his mother.

They turned out at Owermoigne church alongside mourners to pay their last respects to Garry Makepeace, who lived in the village.

Mr Makepeace, 53, died following a two-year battle with cancer - the same disease suspected of claiming his mother Jean, 78, of Dorchester, two days previously.

Mr Makepeace was British Enduro Racing Champion in 1992 and 1996.

His widow Sandra, 54, said: "He was into bikes all his life. He was a founder member of the 71 Club - a bike club in Dorchester.

"I think the number of people turning up is a sign of how well liked he was. He'd do anything for anybody. He was a welder by trade and always willing to help people out.

"Garry was told he had cancer about two years ago and most people with his condition don't last a year, but he was such a fighter.

"He'd think it was absolutely wonderful so many friends turned up to say goodbye. He was so full of fun. He didn't want people mourning. He was always up for a laugh."

She added: "I really loved him. We were married for 32 years and were childhood sweethearts. We met at Dorchester Secondary Modern School and started going out when we were 16.

"We didn't tell him about his mum. If he was going to get better then we would have, but he wasn't."

Mourners saw Mr Makepeace's coffin carried to the church on a Unimog, a hill-climbing vehicle which he had built himself.

Mr Makepeace's crash helmet and riding gloves had been placed on the coffin lid.

Mourners stood silently as the coffin was carried into the church with Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody playing.

Mr Makepeace's brother Graham, 50, of Broadmayne, said: "He was so well-liked and so well-known in the motorcycle fraternity.

"He was a very competitive man but also very helpful.

"We were best friends which I think is quite unique with families. That doesn't mean we always saw eye to eye. We had our differences but agreed to disagree."

He added: "Losing both of them within days of each other has been horrendous - you couldn't put it in a soap. At the moment I feel dazed but I'm sure it will all come out when it settles down."

Mr Makepeace's cousin, ground worker Kev Sawyer, 34, from Charminster, said: "I remember him being around when I was younger and I have very fond memories of him.

"He was a smashing guy and as you can see from the massive turnout he was very, very well known and respected. He will be sorely missed."

Another motorcycle enthusiast came from Wales to be at the service.

Farmer Stephen Williams, 39, said he and Mr Makepeace took a trip to ride in Spain after Mr Makepeace said he had cancer.

Mr Williams added: "That was the last time I saw him. He was a smashing bloke."