BIKERS from across the region turned out for a funeral procession in tribute to an avid motorcycle enthusiast.

Sixty-year-old Glyn Sweetman from Newport died unexpectedly due to fluid around his heart in January.

On Tuesday, the Argus issued an appeal from Mr Sweetman’s daughter Kim for bikers to follow the hearse at his funeral.

Miss Sweetman said: “My Dad was an avid biker who loved all things two-wheeled. Sadly we lost him on January 6 to pericardial effusion. This was unexpected, and has left a huge gap in our lives.”

In response more than 40 motorbikes took part in the procession which travelled from the The Co-operative Funeralcare in Risca to the Gwent Crematorium in Croesyceiliog.

Leading the procession was Mr Sweetman’s Triumph Speedmaster, one of the three motorbikes he owned.

The coffin was brought into the crematorium to ‘Blue Angel’ by Billy Valentine and The Forest Rangers.

Born in Newport in 1956, Mr Sweetman attended St Julian’s School and later trained as a carpenter. He was a father of two and had two grandchildren.

During the service memories were shared from Mr Sweetman’s life including his European bike travels.

Readings were made by his son Ian where he described his father as his hero. He said: “We couldn’t have wished for a better dad.

“We know he is watching over us on his final ride out in heaven.”

Mr Sweetman’s niece Rhiannon Mapps read a poem written by Mr Sweetman’s granddaughter, five-year-old Autumn Blackley.

She wrote that her grandad was the “brightest of all the stars.”

Music chosen for the service included ‘Because you love Me’ by Celine Dion and ‘So Young’ by The Corrs closed the funeral. Donations were made to the RSPCA.

Following the funeral Ian Sweetman thanked people for attending his father’s funeral, and the bikers who took part in the procession.

He said: “I can’t put this into words how amazed and grateful at every single person that attended Dad’s funeral and the final ride out.

“I was blown away by all the bikers that turned up and utterly humbled by this support. I thank each and everyone of you from the bottom of my heart. He would be up above looking down with the biggest smile to see all the people who came out on two wheels.

“The noise was simply breathtaking and will be something I never ever forget.”