A community has been shocked by the death of a 33-year-old motorcyclist.

Michael Burdis, from Stanhope, County Durham, died at the scene of A crash, involving a car and lorry, on the M1 south of Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

His wife, Jacqueline, who was his pillion passenger, was taken to Barnsley General Hospital with a broken foot. She has since returned to the family home in Ashcroft, Stanhope.

The crash, which happened at Birdwell, near Junction 36 of the M1 on Friday, resulted in part of the M1 being closed for more than two hours.

South Yorkshire police are still investigating the cause of the tragedy.

Mr Burdis, who worked at the Blair William Cook foundry, at Stanhope, took up motorcycling seriously about two years ago.

His family have long-standing connections with the Stanhope Silver Band. Although Mr Burdis left the band about eight years ago, his father, Ambrose, and brother, Alan, have both been band members for many years.

A band spokesman said yesterday: "Our thoughts are with the whole Burdis family at this tragic time."