A CAVALCADE of motorbikes joined the funeral procession for a popular trials rider and musician.

Colin Stewart died on April 28 aged just 45 after losing his battle with an alcohol-related illness.

His funeral took place on Thursday at Darlington Crematorium when fellow bikes joined the procession from one of his favourite haunts the Tap & Spile.

Mr Stewart, originally from Scotland, came to Darlington about 20 years ago.

He had been a trials biker in his youth and was well known among the biking fraternity and Hell's Angels, including the famous Jungle.

He was also a well-known local musician, playing regularly at open mic nights at the Tap & Spile. He played the guitar and the harmonica. He passed on his rock influences to inspire a number of local bands and musicians.

At his funeral, Sweet Home Alabama was played and his step-daughter, Alexandra Surman played the guitar.

Miss Surman said: "He sat at home and played his own music just as he wanted to play it.

"His big influences were James Taylor and Bob Dylan. He liked his classical rock music.

"He played when they are open mic nights at the Tap & Spile. He had people jumping around and bouncing about.

"Lots of musicians have been influenced by his style from those nights. He played the most beautiful music and it brought a smile to your face."

She said he took up his other love motorcycling as soon as he was old enough and won an array of trophies as a trials rider.

Miss Surman added: "He was a very, very huge character. A lot of people knew him and liked him. He lived life the way he wanted to.

"He died quite young and was just 45 but I think the rock 'n' roll lifestyle took its toll."

Mr Stewart also leaves behind a brother, Douglas, and sister, Brenda, nephew and niece Nick and Kirstie and father Graham. His mother was the late Lou.