HUNDREDS of mourners attended a Waterside funeral to pay their last respects to a much-loved father-of-five.

Michael Teague 53, died six weeks ago after he was hit by a van on the B3053 at Fawley as he cycled home from a trip to a nearby pub.

The family man was an active member of the Waterside Catholic parish and was employed by the Cadland Estate, near Calshot, as a labourer.

About 350 people packed into St Michael's Church in Hythe to celebrate Mr Teague's life on Saturday morning.

Father Ray Lyons told the congregation: "Today is six weeks late and 30 years early.

"Mike is lying here today because of a tragic and unnecessary incident.

"There has been a long-standing campaign to improve the cycleways and footpaths on the A326, particularly in Fawley.

"We will start in earnest after the funeral to urge our elected representatives, if they want to stay elected representatives, to take accountability for safety on our roads."

Mr Teague, of Spratts Down, Fawley, leaves a wife, Marion, and children Michael, 16, Patrick, 15, Elizabeth, 12, Lewis, 11, and Hannah, 8.

Three of Mr Teague's children gave readings at the funeral service.

The devoted dad was master of ceremonies at St Bernard's Church, Holbury, and a member of the Waterside Catholic Parish Pastoral Council.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Father Ray said: "We shouldn't be here this morning, we should all be out enjoying the summer sun, as Mike would have been.

"His life was a life of giving service to others, and that is why there are so many people here today."