A FLEET of Subaru rally cars - similar to the model driven by the late World Rally Champion, Colin McRae - accompanied rally fan and Subaru owner Martin Leverton to his funeral at Gisburn Church.

Martin died, aged 70, in a tragic accident at Gisburn Auction Marts in Gisburn where he was crushed by a bull on Friday, August 25.

The funeral cortege left his home at Rimmington led by his Subaru and followed by two Subarus supplied by Dales Subaru of Colne and the Subaru World Touring car driven up from Birmingham to take part in the funeral.

The procession visited Gisburn auction mart where Martin was greeted by 20 Subarus parked in a line of honour and then he was walked around the cattle ring carried by family and work colleagues.

Subarus followed the procession to Gisburn church lining the street and revving their engines. After the service Martin made his final journey to Carlton crematorium, his Subaru leading the way.

His daughter Sharon said: "Dad loved being the centre of attention. It would have been his dream day."

Martin, who was married to Audrey for 29 years, had worked at Gisburn Auction Marks for more than 20 years, before that farming at Tosside until 1997.

The couple attended the World Rally Championship in Wales every year, taking their car to all the stages, meeting other rally enthusiasts and showing off their pride and joy.

Martin's death is being treated as a non-suspicious and a file has been submitted to the coroner.

An investigation is underway and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.