THE grieving widow of a motorcyclist who died in a four-vehicle accident last week has paid tribute to her husband.

Mike James Wheeler, 44, of Staithes Lane, Staithes, North Yorkshire, died at the scene of the accident, on the A171 south of Scaling Dam, between Guisborough and Whitby.

It happened at about 7pm on Thursday near the Tranmire turnoff.

The incident involved a Morrisons lorry and a gold-coloured Nissan Micra travelling north towards Guisborough, and a silver Renault Clio and Mr Wheeler's black Yamaha XJR motorcycle travelling south.

The Micra overturned on to its roof, but only one of its four occupants needed treatment. Its female driver was arrested and released on bail.

Mr Wheeler's wife, Tracy, said: "Mike was 44 years old. We have been married for nearly 19 years. He was my best friend and a fantastic father to Alannah, David and Melanie.

"He loved his job as a miner at Boulby, where he worked for 22 years. In his spare time, Mike loved to ride his motorbike, which he has done for 30 years.

"He also enjoyed going to the Farmyard bike meeting (at Helmsley) for the last ten years with our son, David.

"Mike was well-liked and loved in the village, and it shows by the amount of love and support I have had."

An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned.