HUNDREDS of people gathered to mourn former motorcycle world champion Martin Lampkin at his funeral today in Silsden.

More than 200 well-wishers listened to the service outside St James’s Church because it had filled up with hundreds of people long before the 1.30pm start time.

A loudspeaker was put outside the church to relay the service, which was led by the Reverend Susan Griffiths and included tributes from friends and family.

The overriding message was of a “true gentleman” proud of his roots, full of Yorkshire grit, who would help anyone.

Even during his last days, despite his own illness, he helped fellow patients by bringing them water or, on one occasion, helping a young cancer sufferer connect to the internet to hear a sports commentary.

Mr Lampkin, who died aged 65, was part of the Lampkin trials riding dynasty of Silsden and in 1975 became the first FIM Trial World Champion.

His brothers Arthur and Alan excelled in the sport and his son Dougie went on to become a multiple world champion.

Speakers at the service highlighted the many and varied sides of lifelong Silsden man Mr Lampkin's professional and personal life.

The Rev Griffiths told how he and his wife Isobel met when they were young as both families were involved in trials riding, and were engaged within five weeks, marrying eight months later in August 1974.

At various times of his life Mr Lampkin was a coal merchant, an engineer, welder, publican, restaurateur, newsagent, farmer and entrepreneur.

Following his professional career as a trials rider he remained heavily involved in the sport, supporting his son Dougie and organising high-profile events, most notably for 21 years, the Sheffield Indoor World Championships.

The Rev Griffiths told how Mr Lampkin liked to play down his world champion status in trials biking, but to his grandchildren claimed to be the world champion at everything else, including tiddlywinks and snowboarding.

Jake Miller, who had worked with him for more than 20 years and regarded him as a father figure, described enjoyable days of travelling the world with ‘el Martino’.

He said: “Martin lived the life of 100 men, sharing such experiences with his family. He stood for trust, honesty, hard work and wanting to do the best job he possibly could.”

Since his death on April 2, his wife Isobel has received hundreds of tributes by post and on social media, most containing comments such as “a true gentleman”, “a lovely man” and “a legend”, it was heard.

He is survived by his wife, sons Dougie and Harry, and four grandchildren.