The family of a Bridgwater man who died just six weeks after a shock cancer diagnosis are preparing to send him off in style with a motorcycle cortege.
Much-loved Steve Austin, 69, passed away on March 26 after going into hospital with chest pains and swollen legs on February 10.

His step-granddaughter, Josie Cole said he had a fall while in hospital which led to him needing a scan. This revealed a legion on his liver and Mr Austin was given a terminal diagnosis.

Miss Cole, 28, said: "It was such a shock, it all happened so fast.

"He was in my family since I was three or four so I've always seen him as a paternal grandad.

"He was the kind of man who would do anything for anyone and he's always been there for me and the family if we've ever needed anything. He cared a lot for other people.

"It wasn't until after he died and we started going through old boxes of photos that I realised he was even into biking."

Bridgwater Mercury:

In his younger days, Mr Austin ran a bikers' pub, The Dickens Inn in Rotherham and now his family are hoping members of the motorcycle fraternity will help give him a fitting send off.

Mr Austin leaves behind his wife, Lily, for whom he was a full time carer.

Mrs Austin is blind and it is hoped the cortege will make a lot of noise which she can appreciate.

Miss Cole said: "We've got a few people confirmed for the day but it would be wonderful to get as many there as possible to see him off."

The procession will gather on Sedgemoor Way at 3pm on Wednesday, April 13. The cortege will start moving at 3.15pm and arrive at Sedgemoor Crematorium for a 4pm service.