Thousands of motorbike riders and fans from across the world today said farewell to tragic racing star Robert Dunlop at his funeral service in Co Antrim.

The 47-year-old champion biker, who died on Thursday after a 160mph crash during practice for the North West 200 event at Portrush, was laid to rest only yards from his legendary brother Joey, who also lost his life on the racetrack.

Addressing family and friends inside Garryduff Presbyterian church and the thousands listening outside, the Reverend John Kirkpatrick paid tribute to an inspirational man who lived his whole life on the front row of the grid.

"For me it is not racing that defines Robert but the man that he was," he told mourners.

"Husband, Father, Son and brother...beneath that determination was a man of depth and sincerity; clever and skilful.

"He believed that you should do something with your life. He was always at something."

Ahead of the service, the cortege made its way from the family home and through his native Ballymoney.

Poignant that on the long straight road from there to the church Robert was to pass both his mother May's home and the leisure centre named after his brother Joey as he was carried on his final journey.