FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a motorcyclist who died at the weekend.

Ian Watson, 44, of Margrove Park, near Guisborough, east Cleveland, was declared dead at the scene after coming off his 900cc Kawasaki bike on the A1 slip road at junction 49, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, on Sunday

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

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 quite a way away. He wasn't moving and she knew in her heart of hearts he had gone."

He said Julie believed there may have been a diesel spill 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.

"His death is a shock for everyone, especially in such a small community as this."

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

An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned.