A biker took her final journey in fitting fashion – in a motorcycle sidecar.

Janet Alder’s coffin was accompanied by a procession of more than 20 motorbikes on its way to North Watford Cemetery.

The procession was led by her husband Olley, who rode her purple Harley Davidson – Janet’s “pride and joy”.

The 57-year-old died, on July 5, during surgery following a heart attack.

Her oldest friend, Tracey Shubert, said it was “amazing” how many friends and bikers came to her funeral on July 22.

She said: “I’ve never seen anything like it. It was such a fitting end for Janet.

“So many people came to say goodbye to her and they all wore something purple, which was her favourite colour. We had a great day celebrating her life.

“She had the best send-off she ever could have.”

The mother-of-three, who was “a tomboy who never conformed”, became friends with a gang of bikers when she was in her 20s. Through this friendship, Mrs Alder’s love for bikes developed.

The former school kitchen chef and her husband Olley were both members of the POT WC motorbike gang. The pair travelled all over the country together on their bikes, only stopping when Mrs Alder became ill.

Mrs Shubert said the “bubbly and happy-go-lucky” biker lived an adventure-filled life.

After finishing school she joined the army where she delivered letters to the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

She also travelled to Africa to build a school for children and parachuted 12 times – she would not risk a 13th.

Mrs Alder was often involved in charity, abseiling down buildings and knitting clothes for good causes to sell.

Born and raised in the Meriden estate, Garston, Mrs Alder and Mrs Shubert met while taking their children to school more than 30 years ago.

Mrs Shubert said: “She was my oldest friend. She was always happy and there was always a smile on her face. Even when things got tough she would keep on smiling.”

Mrs Alder leaves her husband, Olley, her children Victoria, Amy and Jake and seven grandchildren.