The wife of Malcolm Todd Nicholson, who died in a weekend trail bike accident, last night described him as a "funny, lovely, likeable man".

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

Police confirmed yesterday that Mr Nicolson had not been wearing any headgear when the accident happened.

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 about 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 from injuries to his head and neck.

Speaking at her home yesterday 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."

He also leaves a son, aged 16, 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 added: "Rider and machine parted company, both coming to rest in a shallow stream. "The motorcyclist, who was not wearing protective headgear, suffered head injuries. He was later certified dead at the University Hospital of North Tees."

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, whose land the motorcycle track runs over, had no comment to make about 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."