16615/2BIKERS planned a moving farewell to a good friend yesterday as they formed a cortege of motorbikes for his funeral.

The service for Andrew Richards, 37, who was found dead in a shed at his home in Newleaze, Steeple Ashton on Valentine's Day, took place at St Mary's Church in the village.

His sister Sharon Richards said: "My mum and dad and the whole family would like to say thank you to everyone for their support.

"The number of people who have offered their condolences and paid tribute has been overwhelming."

Before the service friends and wellwishers had covered Mr Richards' white van, which was parked in the driveway of his home, with floral tributes.

The motorbike enthusiast had been building the 6ft shed to store his beloved Kawasaki 750 motorbike. His family plans to keep the bike and pass it on to his 10-year-old son Joshua.

Mr Richards was a stay-at-home father, a single parent to Joshua. He also had a nine-year-old daughter, Holly. Both children are now living with their mother in Bradford on Avon.

His family picked out the Liverpool Football Club anthem You'll Never Walk Alone to be played on the way in to the church and Whitesnake's Here I Go Again as the cortege left.

The bikers met outside the White Swan pub in Trowbridge, where Mr Richards was a well-liked customer.

Mr Richards was a pupil at the John of Gaunt School before taking on jobs as a milkman and dustman.

An inquest was opened and adjourned in Salisbury on Thursday. Police say they do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.