Hairy Biker Dave Myers honoured with freedom of hometown Barrow

Hairy Biker Dave Myers has been given the freedom of his hometown of Barrow.

The TV chef died in February at the age of 66, after he was diagnosed with cancer.

It comes as 20,000 motorcyclists travelled from London to Barrow to celebrate his life on Saturday.

Barrow Town Council thanked Myers for his “valuable and sterling service to the Barrow community and the promotion of civic pride”.

Myers’ widow Lili, who was presented with the award, said she “wasn’t expecting it at all”.

She told BBC Radio Cumbria: “I feel this is such a huge honour… what a proud moment.”

‘Dave Day’ saw a huge remembrance procession of bikers journeying from the capital to his hometown.

Organisers said some 20,000 people joined the ride up the country – with the distance between the first and last biker spanning about 25km (16 miles).

Lili said: “Dave was always a Barrovian in his heart, he loved Barrow and he wanted to put Barrow on the map.

“And today, beyond his grave, he’s done it again.”

Myers, from Barrow-in-Furness, found fame alongside Si King 20 years ago.

The bearded pair were known for travelling around the UK and the world on their motorbikes, sampling and cooking food from different regions.

On Saturday, King addressed the crowds waiting to greet the bikers and said: “Thank you. You’ve made David Myers very proud.”

The title is the highest award that a town council can offer.

The wording on the scroll reads: “We, the council, posthumously grant the highest honour we can bestow to David, and is given in recognition of his service to the Barrow community and the promotion of Civic Pride.

“We loudly applaud your valuable and sterling service whilst thanking you most sincerely.”