Motorcycle fanatic Bob Penny, known as Harley Bob, has died at the age of 54.

Born and raised in Oxford, Mr Penny lived on the Rose Hill estate.

Mr Penny started work at 16 with his father, Wally, at Mudie Bond, later the Evenlode Truck Centre, where he became a mechanical engineer.

His partner, Ange Hopkins, former landlady of The Queen Westbury pub, in Cowley, said Mr Penny's father had been a big influence.

She said: "He looked up to his dad. The two of them were so alike, they loved nothing more than to tinker with engines."

He remained at the truck centre until 2005. The picture shows him receiving a 25-year service award, sitting on his bike 'Shovel'. In 1996 he met Ms Hopkins and they later had a son , also named Robert.

Mr Penny's other great loves were cars and motorcycles. He could often be seen driving around Oxford in his big American Trans Am and Plymouth Fury cars. When his first Harley Davidson was stolen some years ago, he replaced it with a bike which he lovingly reassembled from parts.

Mr Penny died at home on Friday, November 23, after a heart attack.

Ms Hopkins said: "He was the love of my life and I will miss him so much. He had such a big heart and a kind soul."

Mr Penny's funeral service takes place at Oxford Crematorium on Monday, December 10, at 1.30pm. Anyone who knew Mr Penny and would like to pay their last respects is welcome to attend.