A THRILL-SEEKING motorbike enthusiast has been laid to rest following the bike crash which killed him.

The funeral of fun-loving Stephen Bywater, aged 42, of Bays Meadow, Droitwich, was held yesterday at Elmley Lovett Church, near Hartlebury.

The service, which began at 2.30pm, was preceded by the roar of motorbike engines in tribute to Mr Bywater who was "mad" about motorbikes and scooters.

Mr Bywater died following a collision involving two cars in Llandrindod Wells in Wales at around 11.45am on Sunday, September 9 while riding his Buell motorbike.

His daughter Deena Bywater understands that he died instantly of chest injuries at the scene and his brother, Kevin Bywater, aged 41, was nearby on another motorcycle when he died.

Miss Bywater, aged 19, said: "He was mad but in a good way. He was a bit of a thrill-seeker. His brother was with him at the time of the accident and he's finding it hard. They were best friends as well as brothers. They were very very close. For me I don't think it's hit home yet. There was nobody who didn't like him. It has left a gap that has not been filled."

His grandmother, 93-year-old Ruth Bywater, raised him from the age of five.

Mrs Bywater said both brothers were very well liked but could be "a bit of a handful".

She said of Stephen: "He was full of life and full of mischief."

The brothers, nicknamed "the two Teds" for reasons none of his family could shed light on, were regulars at The Doverdale Arms pub in Stalls Farm Road, Droitwich, where the wake will be held.

He was known by his friends for his distinctive Japanese tattoos which covered much of his upper body and some even nicknamed "tattoo".

Mr Bywater, who was born in Kidderminster, was often away from home and travelled all over Europe during his job as a lorry driver.

Mr Bywater was cremated after the service at Worcester Crematorium.

He is survived by his dad David Bywater, aged 67, his mum Sandria Tolley, aged 62, his wife Julie, daughters Deena, aged 19, Paige, aged 14, his grandmother Ruth, aged 93, and three half-sisters and five step sisters.

Donations on the day went to the County Air Ambulance.