VIDEO: Bikers' tribute for funeral of tragic teenager Sam Haycock

TEENAGER Sam Haycock was accompanied by a fleet of bikers as he made his final journey this week.

The East Dene lad’s family had asked for riders to congregate to join the procession to his funeral on today (Tuesday) – and dozens answered the call.

Sam (16, below) drowned after getting into difficulty in the water at Ulley Reservoir as he visited the beauty spot with some friends on May 28 – just hours after finishing Year 11 at Oakwood School.

Friends and well-wishers lined the route from the family home in Western Road towards Rotherham Crematorium, which was dotted with blue balloons tied to lamp posts.

Attendance at the funeral was limited to 70 but the service was webcast so as many of the popular teenager’s friends could watch.

Days after Sam’s death, dozens gathered at Clifton Park’s bandstand – one of Sam’s favourite hangouts, to release blue balloons and let off blue smoke flares.

His dad Simon, who described star judo player Sam as “a very cheeky, lively chappy”, said the family had been blown away by the strength of feeling towards Sam and touched by the many tributes made to him.

Sam leaves his parents, Simon and Gaynor, brothers James, Josh, Thomas, Andrew and Mikey, and grandparents Tony Haycock and Sheila Haycock.