TRIBUTES have been paid to a motorcyclist who died after his bike collided with a car as he travelled to work.

Police today formally identified Radoslaw Drzewiecki who was killed when his orange Kawasaki ZX-6R crashed with a Vauxhall Meriva on the A693, between Beamish and Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, on Tuesday morning.

The 29-year-old Chester-le-Street man was on his way to work at the Hownsgill Industrial Estate, in Consett, when the collision happened at 6.55am.

A tribute from his fiancé, Magdalena Gawel, has been issued through her police family liaison officer this morning (Thursday, March 31).

She said: "Radoslaw was a wonderful son, a loving fiancé and a friend to many. He was always laughing and smiling, with a heart of gold and everyone who met him loved him straight away.

“He will be hugely missed by many and words can't describe our sense of loss.

"Radoslaw will stay always and forever in our hearts."

The driver of the car, a 45-year-old woman from Stanley, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.

She was released on police bail while enquiries continue.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to get in touch, by calling the collision investigation unit on 0191 3752159.