Dozens of bikers formed a motorcycle cavalcade to pay a poignant farewell to a popular Carlisle man.

The coffin of 28-year-old Jeff Matthews was carried in a motorcycle hearse to Carlisle Crematorium from his home in Jackson Road, Houghton.

On top of it was a motorcycle helmet and inside was a large floral tribute bearing the logo of his Suzuki GSXR.

Mourners who gathered to welcome the cortege applauded as the hearse and the cavalcade arrived ahead of the start of yesterday afternoon's funeral service.

Bikers, who had been invited to gather at Houghton Green to join the procession, also formed a guard of honour close to the entrance of the crematorium, off Dalston Road.

Mr Matthews died on March 26 when his motorcycle was in collision with a Nissan Juke car at a crossroads near Great Orton, west of Carlisle.

In the days following his death, his family paid tribute to him.

In a statement, released by police, they said: "Jeff was one of the kindest most sincere young men anyone could ever meet.

"He was passionate about his job and loved his family dearly.

"He had a hunger for life and died doing what he loved, riding his motorbike on a sunny afternoon."
They added: "We love him and miss him with all our hearts."

Mr Matthews was educated at Beacon Hill School in Aspatria.

Hundreds of people took to social media to pay tribute and pass on their condolences following news of his death.

Mr Matthews was on his way home from his brother Lewis Morgan's house in Wigton when the crash happened.

A man and a woman had to be cut free from the car and were treated in hospital for minor injuries.

Campaigners have been battling for improvements to the crossroads for a number of years.

They include Orton Parish Council, residents in Great Orton and local driving examiner Michelle Dunning.

Their main hope was that the junction involved, which is approached from the west by a sharp bend, could be staggered.

  • Photographs of the funeral procession by the News & Star were taken with the permission of Mr Matthews' family.