A CLASSIC car enthusiast who lost his life to cancer was paid a fitting tribute on his final journey.

Friends of Alan Drummond-Jackson said their final goodbyes with a funeral procession of some 50 classic cars along the Northumberland coast.

The 89-year-old, of New Hartley, Northumberland, was well-respected on the classic car circuit after dedicating much of his life to restoring and driving traditional motors at various clubs and rallies across the country.

Mr Drummond-Jackson, whose collection of cars included an Alvis, Armstrong Siddeley, MG, Riley, Rover, Sunbeam and Triumph ranging from 1937 to 1970, passed away on October 18 after suffering from bone cancer for the last year.

George Dalgarno, one of Mr Drummond-Jackson’s best friends, said: “It was his constant interest in the car scene that kept him going for so long, but this last year has seen him deteriorate very quickly from his previous 89 years of sprightly demeanour.”

The 69-year-old added: “He will be sadly missed by his many friends who will all no doubt have a story to tell about him. To me he has been my very close friend for more than half my lifetime and I will look out for him when my time comes.”

The fanatical motoring enthusiast’s love for cars started at an early age when he watched and learned from a mechanic who serviced his family’s cars in the 1930s.

During the later years of the Second World War, Mr Drummond-Jackson was called up and joined the RAF as ground staff. He later worked as a rep for a dental supply company, but ended his working life as a local government officer with Northumberland County Council.

Before his funeral on Monday, the cortege of classic cars drove from the Melton Constable pub in Seaton Sluice to Whitley Bay Crematorium, where around 150 turned out to say farewell to Alan.

Mr Dalgarno, of Holywell, Northumberland, added: “It was an excellent send-off. There were 50 old cars that turned out and at least 150 people came from several car clubs.

“It was a celebrant service rather than a church one. There were lots of funny stories about him and, to be honest, I have been to a number of funerals at my age but it’s the first time everyone applauded when the celebrant finished his stories.

“It finished off with the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang song and that was Alan down to a tee.”