A procession of Minis followed the funeral cortege from Misterton to Crewkerne to pay tribute to much-loved family man, rally driver and motor trader Geoffrey Frank Restorick, who died on January 13.

Geoff, 79, was carried to his funeral on the back of his daughter Val’s flower- laden recovery truck.

His friends and family followed in 42 Minis, from decades-old classics to newer models.

Geoff was born in Charmouth on June 15, 1942 and made many friends during his school years, many of which would last a lifetime.

He and his friends would spent long, happy hours racing around the cycle track they made in Wootton, calling themselves the Charmouth Racing Club.

They would also go go-karting at Stonebarrow Lane.

His passion for vehicles was ignited after leaving St Michael’s Senior School in Lyme, when he began work for Whellers Motors in Yeovil.

He began courting Charmouth girl Pat, and they married and moved to Tatworth before creating a home for their growing family in Misterton.

Geoff would attend rallies either behind the wheel or finding a good spot to watch along with Pat and their children, who could often be heard shouting: “Put your foot down dad!”

“Our dad had always had a passion for cars and used to rally, first in an Anglia and then a Mini,” said Geoff’s daughter Lesley. “He particularly loved Minis and was a member of East Devon Mini Club and Mini Mooners.”

Geoff set up as a motor trader, repairing vehicles and selling cars and would later focus solely on repairing and recovering vehicles, setting up a workshop at his Misterton home.

Lesley said: “Our dad has six children, 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

“He was a lovely man and he spent hours and hours in his workshop with them, teaching them so much about repairs and cars.

“His love of Minis has certainly rubbed off on much of his family and he was always there with interest and advice.”

Community-minded, Geoff loved ‘all things local’, making many friends over the years. He served as vice-chairman of Misterton Council and was a huge animal lover, often bringing home animals which needed a home.

On one occasion he went out on a recovery job and came home having adopted two ponies.

“He could never say no to giving any of them a home,” said Lesley.

She added: “After our mum passed away, I spent more time with him, taking him to the beach for fish and chips or for steak and chips, which was his favourite.

“Our dad was a kind man, who made friends for life. He loved his family and has left a huge hole in our lives.”