BIKERS turned out in force to say a fond farewell to a York man who died in a motorcycle accident.

They joined grieving relatives and other friends to say tearful goodbyes to Garry Wakeman, a "free spirit" who loved riding his red Triumph on the open road.

The 32-year-old with a "zest for living" died after his bike was involved in a head-on collision with a Jeep Cherokee, between Northallerton and Great Langton.

Tragedy struck on an organised trip with friends from the Squire's Caf Bar, Sherburn-in-Elmet.

Yesterday, in a fitting tribute to the long-distance lorry driver, 17 bikers carrying helmets and dressed in riding leathers stood alongside an estimated 250 mourners in church to pay their last respects.

The rock fan's coffin was carried from the church as Motorhead's heavy rock classic, Ace Of Spades, boomed through the building.

After the 40-minute service at St Andrew's Church, Bishopthorpe, the bikers slowly streamed out of Bishopthorpe Palace, opposite the church, and led mourners' cars to a reception at Squire's Caf Bar.

In a tribute to his friend, Chris Baddeley had earlier told the service Garry was "an amazing guy".

He said the "free spirit" was a talented guitarist, who loved riding his motorbike.

Chris said: "He loved riding and the camaraderie that went with it. I'm sure he would have done it forever."

The Rev Christopher Coates, Vicar of St Andrew's, said the church was filled with "great sadness and bewilderment" after Garry's death.

But he said his family wanted to celebrate a life and a "wonderful smile" that will not be forgotten.

Mr Coates also praised the Newcastle United fan's "zest for living" and "Peter Pan spirit", and said: "Death can't destroy love."

Songs by Guns 'N' Roses and Simply Red were played in the service, attended by Garry's parents, Bruce and Denise, of Bishopthorpe.

Donations collected at the service will go to Martin House Hospice for Children, Boston Spa.

Garry, of Fossway, York, was the seventh biker to die this year on North Yorkshire's roads.

The Evening Press attended the service at the invitation of Garry's family.

Updated: 10:45 Wednesday, June 16, 2004