A PROCESSION of vintage vehicles, including lorries and buses, made its way to the Forest of Dean crematorium in a tribute to a driver and his friend who was killed on his way to a steam rally.

The coffin of Jason Allen was carried on the tractor unit of his beloved 1966 Kenworth lorry which he bought in Los Angeles.

The procession had started at Valley Road, Cinderford and made its way to the crematorium with the horn of the Kenworth being regularly sounded.

The funeral service at the crematorium was relayed by speaker because of the number of people who had turned out to say goodbye to the 49-year-old.

Mr Allen, of Lea Bailey, and his good friend Andrew Ralph – who was better known as ‘Rabbit’ – of Malvern both died when their classic Ford was involved in a collision on the A49 near Ross on August 25.

They were travelling to Onslow Park Steam Rally near Shrewsbury in a 1930 Ford Model A Coupe when the accident happened.

The service at the Forest of Dean Crematorium on Saturday (September 28) was conducted by civil celebrant Jeanette Allen, who is Mr Allen’s sister-in-law.

She said his family and many friends could take some comfort from the knowledge he died “doing what he loved.”

Mrs Allen said: “We come together to mourn the sad passing but mostly to celebrate the life of Jason Martin Allen.

“We would also like to remember Andrew Ralph, better known as Rabbit, and extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family.”

Mr Allen attended his first steam rally, at Much Marcle, as a six-month-old in July 1970 and seven years later joined his parents and brothers Mark and Jeremy to complete a Land’s End to John O’Groats run in a Landcover.

Mrs Allen said: “Jason loved all things vintage and he attended many steam shows thoughout his life whether it was showing his Kenworth or demonstrating his skills with his Fordson tractors which he also shared with his good friend Rabbit.

“He went on to complete many road runs notably in his good friend’s Dave buses but also using their own bus (on events) such as London to Brighton, Bournemouth to Bath and Manchester to Harrogate annually.

“Jason’s passion in life was definitely all things vintage and keeping it as original as possible – oily rag as he would call it.

“It really all was about the preservation for him 

“Sadly Jason was taken from us too soon but we can take solace in knowing he passed doing something he loved.”

A collection was made on behalf of Drybrook Surgery and Forest of Dean Dog Rescue.