A SAFETY campaigner has been killed in a motorcycle crash.

Neil Douglas Hamilton was a member and organiser with Cleveland RoADAR, the Advanced Drivers and Riders wing of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

He died after his motorcycle collided with a 4x4 near Tow Law, County Durham, yesterday (Wednesday, April 3).

In a tribute issued through the police today, his family said: “Neil was a much-loved family man who was well-respected in his local community. He was a very keen motorcyclist, being both a member and organiser within the Cleveland RoSPA club.

“He will be sadly missed.”

Mr Hamilton, 60, lived on Offerton Close, in South Hylton, Sunderland, and leaves a wife, Christine, and sons Mark, 27, and Christopher, 24, along with many other friends and relatives.

He had previously worked in education and teaching, including a long spell as the chief technician at Newcastle University’s Medical School.

After retiring from the University, he retrained as a teacher and worked as a supply teacher at schools across the North-East.

The crash happened shortly before 1pm on the B6301 Hedley Hill Lane, at the junction of the road leading to the hamlet of East Hedleyhope.

A white Mitsubishi 4x4 pick-up, travelling north-east, is believed to have pulled across the road into the path of Mr Hamilton, who was riding in the opposite direction.

Mr Hamilton suffered fatal injuries and was confirmed dead at the scene by an air ambulance paramedic.

The 4x4 driver, a 50-year-old man from Tow Law, suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving, interviewed and bailed pending further enquiries.

Durham Police has launched an investigation into the crash and anyone with information is asked to call the collision investigation unit direct on 0191-375-2159.

Police particularly want to trace a cyclist and the driver of a dark coloured saloon car, described as being similar to a Volkswagen Passat, who were travelling north-east on the B6301 at around the time of the crash.

Sergeant Neil Fuller, who is leading the investigation, urged the cyclist, the driver and anyone who saw Mr Hamilton on his motorcycle, a blue 600cc BMW resembling a scooter, to contact the police.