A MOTHER who died riding pillion on the back of her husband’s motorcycle was seven months pregnant with her fourth child, her family has revealed.

Alison Reay, 39, and her unborn son, Thomas, were killed after David lost control of his Aprillia 1,000cc bike.

The 51-year-old former solider, who works as an HGV driver, was arrested after the crash on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.

Mrs Reay, 39, from Stanley, County Durham, has three other children, Danielle, 20, Casey, 13, and seven year-old Shane.

Last night the family paid tribute to Mrs Reay and Thomas.

Mr Reay, of Lambton Terrace, said: “We would like to pay tribute to the lives Alison and our future son Thomas.

“Alison was a loving wife, loving Mam to Danielle, Shane and Casey, a loving sister to Cindy and Robert and a loving Auntie to Courtney and Elisha.”

The family also released a touching poem that reads: “Although both of you can’t be with us, we’re truly not apart, until the final breath we take, you both will be living in our hearts.”

The motorcycle was overtaking a milk tanker when it hit a traffic island on the A688, near junction 61 of the A1(M) at Bowburn, near Durham, before colliding with an Iveco van heading in the opposite direction.

The tanker driver, a 59-year-old man from Bishop Auckland , was also arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.

PC Peter Gowland, who has been liaising with the family on behalf of Durham Constabulary, which is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, said: “The family have been devastated by the loss of Alison and Thomas.

“They are trying their best to come to terms with what has happened in such tragic circumstances. It is a very difficult time for them all.”

The driver of the van, a 53-year-old man from Gateshead, was shocked but unhurt.

Mr Reay and the tanker driver have been questioned by detectives and bailed pending further investigation until mid December.

An inquest to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the crash is expected to be held next year, but is likely to be opened and adjourned this week so funeral arrangements can be made.