TRIBUTES have been paid to a motorcyclist from Clayton Brook who has died after a collision with a car.

The man has been named  locally as Mateusz Gebarowski, 28, who died in Royal Preston Hospital on Sunday from head injuries sustained in the Whittle-le-Woods crash last week.

Now close friend Mateusz Mateo is trying to raise £2,200 for his to return to Poland for burial. He said: “Mateusz was shy, very modest.

“He was the type of man who always had a smile on his face and he always helped everyone. Motorbikes were his passion from childhood. He was very busy. He always said, ‘What should I do tomorrow?’.

Police were called at 7.55am last Wednesday to the collision close to the junction of Preston Road and Cow Well Lane, Whittle-le-Woods.

The driver of a MINI, a 21-year-old man from Chorley, was not injured.

The road was closed for more than five hours.

Sgt Tracey Ward said: “My thoughts first and foremost, are with the young man’s family at this incredibly sad time.

“We are continuing to appeal for witnesses and are working to establish exactly what happened.

“If you have any information and haven’t already spoken to us, please get in touch.”

Mateusz Mateo added: “Matti came from a small town in the Bieszczady mountains.

“He came to the UK eight years ago. In Chorley he worked as a roof-finisher and he was going to work when there was an accident.

“He came to England as he wanted to earn money.

“The money was initially collected for rehabilitation but now we are gathering for a body transport to Poland for the funeral.

“His sudden death at such a young age left just sorrow in our hearts but we will always remember him as a joyful and helpful friend.

“His family lives in Poland and they don’t have money. They need to bring him back.”

To donate, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mateusz-mateo?utm_term=zYYW4p4er.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log 0196 of November 21.