Company director Brent Hill made his last journey in a flower-bedecked delivery van when his funeral was held at South Bristol Crematorium.

Mr Hill's coffin was carried in one of his family firm's fleet to the service on Bedminster Down, where hundreds of mourners remembered a man with a great sense of fun who loved life – and his children and grandchildren more than anything else.

Mr Hill, 55, died last week in a road accident as he was riding his motorcycle to Hills Delivery in Feeder Road, St Philips.

Although he was semi-retired, he had volunteered to help out with some driving that day because the company was short staffed.

But as he rode along the A38 through Langford from his home in Biddisham, Axbridge, he was in a collision with a van and died at the scene.

At his funeral there was standing room only as more than 200 relatives, friends and business acquaintances arrived to pay their respects. The family estimated more than 300 attended the wake that followed.

Many had to stand outside the chapel for the service, which was filled with laughter, tears and clapping as stories were told about Mr Hill and his sense of humour.

Fishing trips to Dartmouth, boating holidays and travels around the world all featured in a tribute from relative and close friend Roy Bowery, as well as memories of the practical jokes he played.

Mr Bowery said: "He had some fabulous qualities, which came with the biggest smile and the cheekiest grin.

"He adored his children and grandchildren. I don't quite know how we will go on without him. I like to think of him and his dad now together and causing as much mischief as possible."

Mr Hill's partner, Jane Gibbs – known, she said, as Brent's Bird – received a round of applause after her tribute and the service came to a close with everyone clapping to Come On Eileen, sung by Dexys Midnight Runners.

Hills Delivery was set up by Mr Hill's father, Roy, whose own funeral was held two years ago.

His coffin had been carried in a company van and his son said he also wanted to travel to his funeral in the vehicle.

Mourners were also asked to wear brightly coloured and "crazy" ties.

Mr Hill, who was born in Withywood and later lived in Knowle and Whitchurch, also leaves a daughter, Clare, 33, son, Nick, 29, and grandchildren Oliver, two, Josh, six, and Bradley, three.