A SOLDIER from Darlington was killed in a motorbike accident in Germany last week.

Corporal Robin McLachlan, 32, a married father-of-one, was overtaking a car on his motorbike in bad weather conditions when the accident happened last Wednesday.

A statement from police in Germany said: "The British motorcyclist was trapped underneath the other vehicle and experienced life-threatening injuries.

"The fire brigade lifted the vehicle. He was flown to a special clinic by helicopter."

An Army spokeswoman confirmed that police were investigating the accident.

Cpl McLachlan died two days later on Friday. His parents, Eric and Kathleen had flown out to see him, the Army said.

He and his wife, Jillian, and their two-year-old daughter, Heather, lived in Rheindalen, Germany, where he was serving with the British Army.

The outdoor enthusiast was originally from Branksome, Darlington, where he met and married his wife, who was from Cockerton, while completing their gold Duke of Edinburgh awards.

The couple married in St Mary's Church, Cockerton in 1996.

Lieutenant Colonel RA Forrest, Cpl McLachlan's Commanding Officer at Support Battalion Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, said the death had come as a "great shock" to members of his unit.

He said: "He was a well-respected individual and the battalion's senior fuel supply operator.

"Robin was a popular junior non-commissioned officer with many friends both in the unit and across the remainder of the Royal Logistic Corps.

"He was known for his determination and his willingness to go the extra mile to achieve the best in all he did.

Cpl McLachlan's funeral arrangements will be announced later.