A TRIBUTE ride-out took place this morning (Sunday) for Gary Spearman ­— a dedicated search and rescue volunteer who died following a battle with cancer.

His friends and colleagues rode from Seaclose to Ryde Inshore Rescue to honour the keen scooterist and Lambretta fan.

Fire, lifeboat, coastguard and search teams across the Island mourn the loss of Gary, who was made an honorary firefighter days before he died.

As a young boy he yearned to become a firefighter, but was unable to.

A tribute ride-out for Gary Spearman. Picture: Michelle Jackson Photography

A tribute ride-out for Gary Spearman. Picture: Michelle Jackson Photography

But he threw his heart and soul into volunteering for the emergency services, serving with Ryde Inshore Rescue, WightSAR, and Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, among others.

A funeral service will take place at the Isle of Wight Crematorium on April 19 at 1.30pm.

A tribute ride-out for Gary Spearman. Picture: Michelle Jackson Photography

A tribute ride-out for Gary Spearman. Picture: Michelle Jackson Photography