TRIBUTES have been paid to a grandfather who was killed in a motorcycle accident earlier this month.

John Crampsey, from Ayton, in Washington, on Wearside, died after his white Suzuki motorcycle was in collision with a pick-up truck on the A59, between Harrogate and York, on Saturday, July 4.

In a statement, Mr Crampsey’s wife, Marlene, said: "I still can't believe it.

"He was a lovely man who loved his family.

"We did everything together and now I just feel lost and alone without him.

"He had been riding bikes for years and had taken numerous safety courses and was a very responsible and careful rider.

"His grandchildren are completely devastated."

Paul and Sarah, Mr Crampsey’s son and daughter, said: " We just still can't believe our dad has gone.

"It is just not fair that he has been taken from us."

Police are investigating the collision, which took place at about 8.30am, between Allerton Park and York.

Mr Crampsey collided with the black Mitsubishi L200 pick-up truck, which had approached the T-junction from the A168.

The pick-up truck also collided with Mr Crampsey’s friend, also from Washington, who was riding a black BMW motorcycle.

He escaped with minor injuries.

Officers have renewed an appeal for witnesses to the crash.

Sergeant Peter Stringer, the senior investigating officer, said: "Not many witnesses have come forward following the collision and I am hoping this renewed appeal will jog people's memories.

"It was 8:30am on a sunny Saturday morning and the roads would have been fairly busy.

"I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time who saw the vehicles prior to the collision or who witnessed the crash, to come forward."

The driver of the pick-up truck, a 28-year-old man from Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, was arrested at the scene.

He was later released on police bail pending further investigations.

An inquest into Mr Crampsey’s death was opened and adjourned last Wednesday.

Witnesses are asked to call traffic constable Dave Seavers, of the Harrogate road policing group, on 0845-60-60-24-7, quoting reference number 12090113085.