GOODBYES were said to a popular mechanic and beloved DJ, who was escorted on his last journey by a Speedway bike.

Garry 'Porky' Slone, 55, from Seaton, passed away suddenly on June 8.

His funeral was held on Tuesday, June 21 with mourners gathering outside Distington Crematorium to watch as his coffin was escorted to the service by a Speedway bike.

News and Star: ESCORTED: The coffin was escorted to the crematorium by a speedway bikeESCORTED: The coffin was escorted to the crematorium by a speedway bike

The motorbike was ridden by Laylan Richardson who races for Redcar Bears Junior Team -  the same team Garry was a mechanic for with longtime friend and rider Karl Langley.

The coffin, which was covered in a floral tribute of the popular disco man's nickname, 'Porky', was carried into the crematorium to the Robson and Jerome song 'I Believe'.

The congregation heard of how a young Garry would like to pull bikes apart in his parents' yard like many young lads like to do. However Garry was different in that 'he knew how to put them back together', which led to a lifelong passion for Speedway that he went on to pass on to daughters Kirsty and Rebecca - and later grandson Kane.

Garry was said to 'just love music' as well as rugby league, darts and most of all Speedway. 'Highway to Hell' by his favourite band AC/DC was played throughout the ceremony, with his coffin adorned in a band t-shirt.

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The father of two was 'a big hearted and kind man' who loved to visit Blackpool on his holidays, alongside his daughters and grandson Kane.

News and Star: MUCH LOVED: Gary 'Porky' SloneMUCH LOVED: Gary 'Porky' Slone

The service went on to talk about the Seaton dad's love of music, which led him to establish his own very popular business 'Porky's disco's' - said to be legendary around Seaton.

Speaking to Times and Star after the funeral, Garry's beloved daughters Kirsty and Rebecca said: "Dad was our hero and we will miss him so much.

"Always will we love him with all our heart and hope he is proud, we gave him the best send off he could have.

Grandson Kane said: "I am going too miss you so much granda Garry, my best pal, I love you forever and always."

The family wished to pay special thanks to Andrew Bain, Laylan Richardson and Steve Lawson for sorting out the bike on the day.

The funeral was attended with the permission of the family.