HORNS were sounded and people stood and clapped as a touching tribute to a "hero" saw hundreds of recovery vehicles travel slowly down the M5. 

The convoy of over 200 repair vehicles also displayed their emergency lights as their drivers waved to onlookers as they paid tribute to David Pickering, who died last month from Covid-19.

David Pickering was known as a hard worker. David Pickering was known as a hard worker. (Image: Jo Pickering)

Mr Pickering, from Droitwich, owned Elite Recovery Midlands and is said to have helped thousands of people get back on the road throughout his long career.

"You do not realise how much someone is respected and liked in the industry," said Mr Pickering's wife, Jo. 

"Dave would be absolutely honoured that people are doing this in his honour and to pay tribute to him."

The convoy left Strensham Services and travelled northbound on the M5 today (Sunday) just after 12pm to mark the time David died.

One of the vehicles leading the group had David's pictures on it.One of the vehicles leading the group had David's pictures on it. (Image: Newsquest)  National Highways then led the convoy up the motorway where recovery vans, lorries, and cars honked their horns and flashed their yellow recovery lights as southbound traffic slowed to watch.

Then, it made its way through to Droitwich, with rolling roadblocks and slip road closures by National Highways, to make sure it was safe.

The convoy was led by two National Highways vans.The convoy was led by two National Highways vans. (Image: Newsquest)

Crowds had stood on the bridges and junctions to clap the vehicles as they slowly moved past. 

The father of two, who never liked to reveal his real age, set up his business, Elite Recovery Midlands, in 2011 with his wife after years in the industry.

It was then sold to one of his colleagues, Nathan Green, last year but Mr Pickering and the family still worked at the business.

MISSED: David Pickering has been described as an amazing father.MISSED: David Pickering has been described as an amazing father. (Image: Jo Pickering) Mr Green said: "Nobody else was a better teacher and dedicated to a business.

"I started in 2015 and we worked side by side every day - it is hard to put into words what he was like.

"He was friends with everyone he met.

"Everyone who brushed past him was left a better person."

David with his daughter Hayley Waldron and Gabby. David with his daughter Hayley Waldron and Gabby. (Image: Jo Pickering) Throughout the years, Mr Pickering has raised thousands for charity, and to honour this, his family has set up a fundraiser for St Richards Hospice. 

Mr Pickering is survived by his wife, Jo, and two children, Hayley Waldron and Gabby Pickering.

His funeral service will take place at Nicholas Church on Thursday, August 1 at 1pm.