SCORES of motorcyclists will pay tribute to a “loving” and “caring” Southampton motorbike mechanic later this month.

Peter Doswell, who was a popular motorbike mechanic, died last month aged 75 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung condition.

Born in Shirley Warren, he worked at the former C and S Motors car centre in Northam for 28 years and has since fixed hundreds of bikes during his time.

Growing up, Mr Doswell developed a passion for motorcycles, started riding from the age of eight and fixing them from early teens.

He then started work, firstly at the Hovis Flour Mill at Southampton Docks before entering the building trade where he was involved in the construction of Southampton General Hospital.

He then turned his passion into a job and started as a mechanic at C and S Motors for 28 years under the leadership of Bill Smith.

Paying tribute, his son, Peter Doswell Junior, who is an ordained minister said: “Many still remember him today, and often he gets mentioned to me in all areas of the city of Southampton.

“My father was indeed the 24-hour “face of the business” that everybody knew and related to.

"He was extremely experienced and knew how to solve any problem that was put before him.

“Even though he was paid only fifteen pounds a day for all those years it was never about money for Dad but for the love of what he was doing.”

Along with his Jack Russell Benny, Mr Doswell lived in a caravan on the site and acted as the site’s nightwatchman.

Peter added: “His black and white Jack Russell was his very close companion and they would always go everywhere together.

“Mr Doswell had a strong network of friends who he saw while working during the day and at night when he had people round for a natter and a cuppa.”

Mr Doswell was then diagnosed with COPD in 2004 the company shortly afterwards while C and S ceased trading in 2005.

He spent his later days in hospital where he received a lot of medical attention and made many friends with the nurses, doctors and consultants.

Peter said: “Due to his regular admissions he became a well-known patient at the hospital’s emergency department, and of course the respiratory ward D6.”

A fundraising campaign has also been set up which will raise funds for the D6 respiratory ward at Southampton general hospital and people can donate at justgiving.com/fundraising/petedoswell

Mr Doswell’s funeral will take place on Monday, February 12 at Southampton Crematorium.

Meanwhile, a procession which includes a convoy of motorbikes in full headlights, led by a BSA Bantam will take run from the former C and S Motors site on Empress Road in Northam from 3.15pm.

The procession will run through Portswood, Swaythling, Bassett and up to the

Crematorium at Stoneham Lane.