AROUND 100 bikers rode across East Lancashire at the weekend to pay tribute to a 'larger than life character' who died after a crash.

Bikers braved the rain to join in 'Alan Jennings' last ride' and escort the funeral procession for Alan Jennings, a keen motorbike enthusiast.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Mr Jennings from Weir, died after he crashed into a Vauxhall Vivaro van while riding his Yamaha motorbike in Burnley Road, near his village, on Saturday February 23.

He was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital with serious injuries but died later that day.

The driver of the Vauxhall, a 34-‎year-old man from Rochdale, was not injured.

The ride started at Mr Jennings' business, Jennings Race Products Ltd at the Vine Mill, Brookside Street in Oswaldtwistle on Saturday at 9am.

Lancashire Telegraph:

It travelled through Haslingden, Rawtenstall, Waterfoot, before passing the church where Mr Jennings and his wife, Bernadette, got married and onto Bacup and Weir to pass their family home and a stop off at where he died.

From there the procession went onto Burnley Crematorium.

PC Dave Pascoe, of Burnley Police, a friend of Mr Jennings for 23 years, described him as a man who would do anything for anyone.

PC Pascoe said: "Alan and Bernie and the family were in Manchester before Christmas giving out clothing and food they had collected to the homeless, that's the kind of person he was.

"Alan raced bikes his whole life and he had time for everyone and would do anything for anyone.

"He was a real people's person, very popular and well-liked and a good friend."

Lancashire Telegraph:

Graham Miller, a trustee from North West Blood Bikes who marshalled the event, said that Mr Jennings' business was a big supporter of the blood bikes.

He said: "Alan would service some of our bikes for us and he did so for a number of years.

"Alan was a real motorbike enthusiast who lived for his motorbikes.

"He was larger than life character."

Lancashire Telegraph:

Paying tribute, Mrs Jennings' has previously described her husband as someone who lived for his family and his love of motorbikes.

Mr Jennings' family have asked for donations to be made to the North West Ambulance Service as a thank you for the treatment paramedics gave him after his crash.

He leaves behind four sons and three grandchildren.