A Redcar man has died following a trail bike accident.

Malcolm Todd Nicolson, a 41-year-old father of two, suffered fatal head and neck injuries after an accident at Low Hardwick Farm, Sedgefield, County Durham.

His family, of Mersey Road, Redcar, were told that Mr Nicolson had been riding a Honda CR 500cc trail bike when he left the track and hit a clay embankment at 3.15pm on Sunday.

Paramedics treated him at the scene and he was taken by air ambulance to the University Hospital of North Tees. His condition deteriorated in the helicopter and he was certified dead at the hospital.

Speaking at her home on Monday, his wife Catherine, who was being comforted by family and friends, said: "He was the funniest of men and everyone loved him. He was a very likeable man and everyone will miss him so much."

Mr Nicolson also leaves a son, aged 16, and a daughter, 13.

An investigation into the tragedy has been launched by Sedgefield Borough Council's environmental health department.

A police spokesman said Mr Nicolson had been one of a number of riders using the moto-cross track when, for some reason, he left the trail.

He said: "Rider and machine parted company, both coming to rest in a shallow stream. The motorcyclist, who was not wearing protective headgear, suffered head injuries."

Specialists from Durham Police accident investigation unit were called to the farm and a report is being prepared for the Cleveland coroner.

Farmer Alf Walton, who owns the land used for the motorcycle track, declined to comment on the accident.

Council spokesman Graham Robinson said: "We are still at the preliminary stages of our investigation, but expect matters to proceed further in the next few days."