The 29-year-old refrigeration engineer was killed in a crash on the A1122 at Crimplseham while riding his beloved Triumph on July 29.

His funeral, held on Friday reflected his passion for motorbikes, with dozens of bikers riding in convoy from Downham to St Mary's Church in Denver for the service.

The procession was led by Michael's dad Mick Roper on his Harley Davidson and the church was overflowing with mourners there to say goodbye.

Michael's mum Chris Cobbin, said: "If you can have a lovely funeral, it was one. "Everybody who turned up showed so much respect, there were so many bikers there.

"It was the best send-off we could have given.

"I have so much respect for his dad for leading the cortege, it must have been the hardest thing he's done in his life."

Michael had been living on a long boat on the River Wissey at Whittington with his dog Jack for the last five years and the little dog was at his owner's funeral.

Many of Michael's friends wore biker gear and specially made t-shirts featuring Michael's smiling face.

The eulogy was read by friend Rob Allflat, who led a round of applause for Michael at the end of his tribute.

'SUCH A STAR'

Mrs Cobbin, of Town Estate, Downham, added: "None of us could speak at all, Rob was such a star.

"We all clapped and his little dog barked all the way through.

"The church was packed, there were well over 200 people there, and they were so many outside the church as well.

"When we left the church all the streets were lined and they were just clapping.

"He is just going to be so, so missed, there's nothing more I can say.
"It's the biggest hole in my heart ever."

• The funeral of Lee Clifford (23), the trainee chef killed near Fincham the next day, was due to be held yesterday (Monday).

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