A MAN killed only ten minutes from the end of a 500-mile charity motorcycle ride has had the air ambulance he was raising money for named in his honour.

John Toner, 39, of Marton, Middlesbrough, was taking part in the Boundary 500 motorcycle ride in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance when he died on June 16.

He was involved in an accident with a car on the A167 between Northallerton and Darlington, at a point known locally as Lovesome Hill. He was ten minutes from the finishing line in Hurworth when the incident happened.

Scores of bikers turned out to witness the naming of the helicopter last night, as well as friends and family, including Mr Toner's wife, Kendra, his daughter, Katie, 12, and son Ben, one.

Speaking at the ceremony, Colin Toner paid tribute to his brother.

He said: "He was a fun-loving person, always having a joke and playing tricks on people.

"And if anybody needed help, he would always be there for them."

The short service was conducted by Father Nicholas Jennings, himself a biker, who was on the charity ride that day.

Before blessing the helicopter with holy water and champagne, Fr Jennings said: "John Toner lost his life so that others, through the air ambulance, may have a chance of living."

Sarah Booth, from the Great North Air Ambulance, praised the strength of Mr Toner's family, who have continued to support the air ambulance after his death.

She said: "It's a small gesture and acknowledgement of the support that John gave to us. We hope, through this legacy, that every time John's family see the helicopter overhead, they can think of all the good work the air ambulance is doing in John's name."

Mr Toner was one of nearly 200 riders who took part in the ride, which followed the boundary area of the Great North Air Ambulance.

Event organiser Brian Laverick said that, despite the tragedy, it would go ahead next year.

He said: "This really hit us hard, but it has made us stronger to have this event as a permanent reminder of John. He was a committed family man and loved raising money for charity. He was a role model."

To help the air ambulance, go to www.greatnorthairambulance.co.uk or call 01325-487263.