TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'kind and gentle' Withnell man who died in an accident while on his motorbike in Ribchester.

Kevin Sinfield, 60, of Yarrow Close, collided with a silver Vauxhall Astra, driven by a man in his 70s, at the junction of Stonygate Lane and Clitheroe Road on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Sinfield, who worked as a mechanic at Auldene Garden Tools in Croston, leaves wife Maria and two daughters, Claire, 28 and 23-year-old Nina.

Mrs Sinfield said she had lost 'a friend and companion for more than 30 years'.

She added: “It’s hard to come to terms with our loss.

"Kev was totally devoted to his family and extremely proud of our two daughters.

“We have lived here since we got married and he was well known to everyone in the village.

“He loved the outdoors and the countryside around here and would be out walking with our dog twice a day. It’s difficult to believe he’s not here anymore.”

Mrs Sinfield, 51, said she had visited the scene of the accident and had been touched by the kindest of strangers who had left floral tributes.

“There was a beautiful display of fresh cut flowers left by some nearby residents,” she said.

“It was much appreciated. That type of kindness reminded me of Kev as he was always so caring.”

Mr Sinfield had owned his touring motorbike for around 10 years and was also a keen pedal cyclist.

Chris Williams worked alongside Mr Sinfield at Auldene Garden Tools for the past 10 years.

He said: “Everyone is devastated here. Kevin was a friend to us all and always the first to offer help or do a favour.

“We’ve had clients calling in to pay their respects and share happy memories of him ever since we found out about the accident.”

Investigations are continuing into the cause of the accident and witnesses can contact Sergeant Pete Sculpher on 01254 51212.

Mr Sinfield’s funeral will take place at St Paul’s church in Withnell on Wednesday, October 20 at noon followed by cremation at Pleasington.