Hundreds of mourners gathered to say goodbye to popular teacher and cyclist enthusiast Guy Wharton.

The 46-year-old father of three from Bollington died following a collision with a Renault Clio on the A537 Buxton New Road in Macclesfield while cycling on June 7.

His funeral took place at Macclesfield United Reformed Church on Friday, July 8.

Many of those who came to pay their respects were colleagues and students at Tytherington School where Guy taught biology for 14 years.

Pupils Jacob Roberts and James Lawrence paid tribute.

Jacob described how he had been swept up by Guy’s ‘infectious enthusiasm’ for science.

Other students fondly recalled the fun Guy poured into lessons, describing him as ‘a ball of energy that kept the school alive’.

One colleague said Guy was not just a teacher, adding: “His personality, warmth, passion and integrity taught pupils much more”, while another said he was ‘a gifted and talented soul’.

Musicians from the school played a moving version of Angels by Robbie Williams.

Other music played at the service included a recording of Guy singing in a choir in a cathedral when he was a boy, and All of Me by American singer John Legend, which Guy was listening to at the time of his accident.

Guy’s older brother Mark shared stories from their childhood, describing Guy as ‘genuine, generous, spontaneous and irrepressible’.

The Rev. Veronica Hydon spoked on behalf of the Guy’s wife Fran and their children Owen, 14, Ella, 13, and Theo, 11.

She said that they have been overwhelmed by the ‘mountain of good will, empathy and practical love’ from the community.

Tributes also came from friends and fellow cyclists.

Andy Podmore, owner of specialist bike shop Maccycles on Jordangate, said he shared the ‘absolute joy’ Guy got from cycling.

He said: “Riding with Guy was like being 12 again. He was like Peter Pan on a bike.”

Carl Taylor recounted an eventful and amusing 112-mile bike ride he and Guy experienced, finishing his tribute by saying: “Guy, may you ride on forever within us all”.

Guy was taken to Macclesfield Crematorium.

Family and friends later met at Macclesfield Rugby Club.