FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a well-known biker who died in an accident.

Ian Watson, 44, of Margrove Park, near Guisborough, died after coming off his 900cc Kawasaki bike on the A1 slip road at junction 49, near Ripon, on Sunday.

His wife, Julie, who was a pillion passenger at the time, was taken to the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, with minor injuries.

Mr Watson was a regular at the Isle of Mann TT races. His father-in-law, Gilbert Leather, 66, of Guisborough, said: "He survived a 100mph crash in a TT race and now he has lost his life on a road at not more than 50mph.

"Julie said all she remembers is flying through the air and hearing an explosion. She looked up and saw Ian. He wasn't moving. She knew in her heart of hearts he had gone."

He said Julie believed there may have been some diesel on the road and, after losing control, Mr Watson was hurled against a bridge parapet.

Neighbour Ted Woodhouse said: "He was a really nice man, very quiet and reserved."

Mr Watson leaves daughters Mandy, 25, Emma, 23, and grandchildren Elle, five, Cameron, 18 months and Luke, 14 months.

Mr Watson's funeral will be tomorrow, at 10.30am at St Aidan's Parish Church, Boosbeck.