Scores of bikers turned out to ride alongside a much-loved Teesside dad as he made his final journey.

They joined hundreds of mourners as they paid their respects to Martin Dixon, who died tragically last month.

Many had travelled from across the country to follow the funeral procession from the 56-year-old’s home in Billingham today.

And there was standing room only as family, friends and colleagues - many wearing a touch of red - Martin’s favourite colour - filled the chapel at Teesside Crematorium.

His unique contribution to the lives of thousands of people was summed up in three simple words: “adaptable, reliable and dedicated.”

A Jack of all trades, Martin was a driver, a labourer, a roofer’s mate, before he took up his most fulfilling role as caretaker at St John’s Primary School, where his children Martin Jnr, 26, and Hannah, 21, once attended.

Described as being “part of the school family”, Martin was remembered by a Year 4 pupil, who said: “I hope Mr Dixon is in heaven with God and Jesus, he’s like the grandad.

“I hope he will live peacefully up there, he won’t be forgotten.”

Martin’s biggest passion was motorbikes, and he was ultimately known for his dedicated work as a Bloodrun volunteer.

He was transporting blood to and from hospitals, when he was in collision with a car on November 28.

During the service, ‘Jealous of the Angels’ by Jenn Bostic was played before Martin Jnr, paid tribute to “the best dad we could ever ask for.”

He said: “As many of you will have read, my dad was in every sense of the phrase a unsung hero. But to me, he was my personal hero. He taught me everything I know.”

He finished with a famous quote from Winnie the Pooh: “How lucky I am, to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

The service was brought to an end with words from Martin’s wife, Tina, 51, who paid tribute to ‘My everything’.

She said: “Martin my beautiful husband was everything to me, and we as a family will cherish the wonderful times he has left us with. We will hold them in our hearts forever.

“Good night, God bless. Love you always and forever.”

*An earlier version of this story stated that Mr Dixon was struck by a car and killed. Investigations into the accident continue and an inquest will be held. The story should have stated that the car and a motor bike were in collision. We would like to apologise for the error.