Hundreds of bikers revved into Southend to pay their final respects to a "larger than life" friend who had a passion for motorcycles.

Mourners packed Southend Crematorium to say farewell to Stan "Prop" Bond, 58, who suffered a fatal heart attack while on holiday in Belgium on August 2.

The former paratrooper, from Northview Drive, Westcliff, a former member of the Sevens Trike and Motorcycle Club, was "the life of the party", his son Martin said.

He added: "I will never forget dad's words, always do your best, which is the motto I try to live by.

"This is not a day of sadness, but a day of remembering. Dad was a party-goer, so that's what we shall do, have a good party."

Members of local clubs the Tilbarians, Renegades, Cosmic Riders, and the Essex chapter of the Hell's Angels were all present.

Published Friday August 16, 2002

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