REVVING engines and birdsong filled the air in a fitting tribute to a popular Gwent man.

Douglas Clarke, known as Doug and Douggie, died on April 21 from mesothelioma and was cared for by St David’s Hospice Care in his last days.

His sister Christine Ward told the Argus: “He will be missed in Cwmbran. He was well known, well liked and well respected.

“He spent last days at St David’s Hospice so that he could see Twmbarblwm which is where he wanted his ashes scattered.”

The coffin was taken to the Gwent crematorium in Croesyceiliog in a sidecar on a motorcycle hearse and had a motorcycle procession from Hollybush in Cwmbran.

Steve Griffiths from Caerphilly was one of the bikers who followed the hearse.

He said: “I knew him for many years and it was a great privilege to be here today.

“He was an incredible man and knew a lot about nature.”

Roy Parry from Cwmbran knew him from birdwatching.

He said: “He enjoyed nature and enjoyed everything he did in life. Everybody knew Douggie.”

Albatross by Fleetwood Mac played as people entered the crematorium, and people stood outside due to the numbers in attendance.

The service was officiated by civil celebrant Neil Hopkins who shared Mr Clarke’s life story and many of the memories his wife Joyce had and children had.

He spoke of Mr Clarke’s work at the GPO in Newport and described him as having a love for life and the outdoors from an early age.

Born in December 1949 he spent most of his life in Cwmbran and attended Croesyceiliog Grammar School.

He was passionate about motorbikes and competed and attended rallies with the Welsh Trail Riders Association.

In October 1978 he had an accident in Brecon which meant he lost the use of his left arm. He spent time in intensive care and his life changed but he would not be defined by his disability.

Mr Hopkins said: “His inner strength and perseverance shone through and he was an inspiration for all.”

Mr Clarke was described as a loving and doting father to his children Leighton, Nicky and Holly and he was said to be a "traditional man who liked doing traditional things" with his children like teaching like them about nature, birds and fishing.

Mr Hopkins added: "He had a natural ability to read and understand nature and instinctively knew where to find food."

He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life as was passionate about the planet and nature.,

At the service a poem that Mr Clarke wrote was read out that summed up his life. It was followed by Bob Dylan’s Make you Feel my Love and a recording of birds singing and motorbike engines that he so loved.

The sound of motorcycles closed the service with Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird and mourners gathered at the Cwrt Henllys in Cwmbran to remember their friend.