The family of a motorcyclist who died in a collision with a pick-up has paid tribute to the young father "loved by everyone."

Police area appealing for witnesses following the death of 28-year-old Christopher Earl, from Liverton, east Cleveland.

The collision took place at around 5.55pm on Thursday on the B1366 Liverton Road, opposite Liverton Lodge.

It involved a Suzuki GSXR motorbike and a white Isuzu D-Max pick-up vehicle.

Christopher Earl, known as Chrissy, was a loving father to Harley, aged two.

His partner, Faye, said: “He was an amazing boyfriend, soul mate and somebody who was there for me through everything over the past 10 years.

“He is going to be greatly missed, he was someone who enjoyed life, he had a vast array of friends and was always there for them, he also loved his dog, Millie, and was always walking her.

“He was a great person, who could be stubborn at times and not listen. He could be described as a bit of a ‘Jack the Lad’. He loved his bikes, having had them from a young age and he always had respect for bikes.”

Christopher was a brother to Wayne, Sammy, Ashleigh, Megan and Abbey as well as a stepson to Phillip. He was regarded as a son to Faye’s parents, Mark and Denise, and often referred to them as his parents.

His brother, Wayne, said: “Chrissy was a hardworking plasterer and taxi driver for J&P Taxis in Redcar. He was the best brother and we had been through a lot together, both bad times and good times. We worked together and drank together. I will be lost without him.

“He was loved by everyone and life will not be the same without him.”

Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen the motorcycle being ridden prior to the collision.

It is described as a light blue Suzuki GSXR motorbike with ‘RIZLA’ on the panels. The motorcycle would have been ridden in the Liverton and Loftus area.

The driver of the pick-up vehicle suffered minor injuries and was taken to James Cook University Hospital for treatment.

Anyone who may have information is asked to contact PC Tina Lackenby from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 126899.