A RECOVERY truck was specially customised to take a 'true gentleman and legend' on his final journey.

Howley Quay Motors has honoured Harry Hickman, who recovered vehicles at the family-run business for more than 24 years, with a unique cortege.

Today, Tuesday, Wayne Hickman, Harry's son and company director, drove the specially customised Iveco daily recovery truck to St Elphin's Parish Church for his dad's funeral.

Joined by grandson Joshua, 25, they took the coffin, on the back of the truck, from the company site on Grappenhall Lane in Stretton, via Harry's home on Pewterspear Green Road in Appleton, to Church Street for the service.

They were also escorted by a Leyland Daf heavy recovery vehicle driven by Wayne's son-in-law, Graham Hanson.

Carolyn Van't Sant-Stephenson, family friend and employee at Howley Quay Motors, said: "It was Mavis, Harry's wife of 56 years, who said she would like the recovery trucks to be involved.

"It was very moving, especially with the coffin on the back of the truck, driven to church by his grandson Joshua and to Fox Covert by his son Wayne.

"The procession left from us at Howley Quay Motors to St Elphin's via his home, which is not an easy task for a 26 tonne, rigid recovery vehicle driving at 20mph."

Seventy-eight-year-old Harry joined his son and daughter-in-law Karen's company, Howley Quay Motors Bodyshop, more than 24 years ago after working as a garage manager and doorman.

Having already worked in the industry, he convinced his son Wayne to move the family-run business into vehicle breakdown and recovery, and from there the duo worked together on behalf of Cheshire Police.

Three generations of the Hickman family now work at Howley Quay Motors.

Harry's grandson Joshua joined aged 17 and his granddaughter 33-year-old Amanda has worked in the office alongside mum Karen since she left school at aged 16.

"Harry was a larger than life, very vocal character. 

A funny, strong-willed man with a wicked sense of humour and a story for every occasion," Carolyn said.

"There's many a police officer who could tell a story or two about being on a job with him. He was respected by many, a true gentleman and a legend in his own right."