MOURNERS braved the pouring rain as 200 people lined the route to pay tribute to driving instructor and National Autocross champion Roger Brunt.

Although social distancing meant the ceremony was restricted to family and close friends, as the cortege left The Farmhouse in Southwick and made its way through the village people lined the streets.

With so many wanting to pay respects to much loved character, plans were arranged for the hearse to take a last journey from his favourite public house, the Farmhouse, to his house in Southwick before setting off to Semington Crematorium.

Funeral director Harry Hamlin walked ahead of the hearse, along with Roger's daughter Emma and son Marcus, to the applause of mourners lining the route.

Plans are being made for a celebration of Roger's life, open to all, to be held at The Farmhouse in May next year, on what would have been his birthday.

Full details will be announced to the village and the motor racing community as they are finalised.