A motorcyclist who died in a road collision involving his motorcycle and a tractor has been named by police.

Graham Simpson, 31, was killed on the A171 at Moorsholm - outside Mount Pleasant Farm - near Whitby, on Wednesday.

Mr Simpson worked as a miner at the Boulby Potash Mine, in east Cleveland, and lived at Brotton with his girlfriend, Gemma, and their 18-month-old son Corbyn, although he was born at Roxby.

Graham Clarke, general manager at Cleveland Potash, said yesterday: "Graham was employed by one the contractors who provide services to the mine. Obviously everyone involved with Cleveland Potash is deeply saddened by this tragic accident and our thoughts are with his family and friends.'' Mr Simpson, who was one of three brothers, worked for Barnsley based tunnelling contractors Amco Amalgamated Construction, who had noone available to comment yesterday.

Cleveland Police closed the stretch of the A171, where the accident happened, for three and a half hours following the accidents.

An inquest into Mr Simpson's death is to be opened in Middlesbrough, on Monday.