HUNDREDS of people are expected to turn out to pay their last respects to an adventure-loving Black Country motorcyclist and rugby player who was killed in a road smash in France.

Father-of-two David Cook, aged 41, a long-time member of Old Halesonians Rugby Club, Hagley, died after his motorcycle was hit by a car near Marseille on June 14.

He had been heading to catch the ferry home after enjoying a touring holiday in southern France with friend Bernie Brinkmann from Stourbridge when tragedy struck.

Known as 'Cookie' to many of his friends - David leaves a wife Joy, aged 44, children - Adam, aged 22, and Chloe, aged 19, sister Mandy, aged 39, mum Margaret, and dad John, aged 65, from Amblecote, who described his only son as "an incredible man, loved by hundreds".

A keen scuba diver and Tough Guy competitor – David was an experienced motorcyclist and had toured France, Germany and Spain on his beloved bike. He also rode everyday to Evans & White Manufacturing Ltd in Kingswinford where he was works manager.

Colleagues at the firm in Dawley Brook Road and pals at Old Halesonians have been left in shock at his untimely death. Friend Richard Thomas said the club had lost a “great player and a loyal servant”.

David’s funeral will be held at 2.10pm on Friday July 5 at Gornal Crematorium - followed by a wake at Old Halesonians RFC.