TWO men who died in a motorbike accident have been named as devoted fathers John Longstaff and David Tarn.

The pair had been friends and work colleagues at Durham Precision Engineering in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, for several years.

Last night, their boss, Tom Stoddart, said all the staff at the factory were in a state of deep shock and disbelief.

Mr Longstaff had worked for the company for 16 years and Mr Tarn for seven years. Both men have young children.

They died instantly on Thursday when the motorbike they were riding was involved in a head-on collision with a tractor on a quiet country road near Piercebridge.

The tractor driver, a 54-year-old from Darlington, is believed to have known Mr Longstaff, 45, and Mr Tarn, 30. He was treated for shock following the accident.

Yesterday, Durham police said it seemed the 1000cc Suzuki bike had veered onto the wrong side of the road, but the reasons for this were unclear.

Police appealed for anyone who had witnessed the crash, which happened at about 11.30am on Thursday on a road known as Carlbury Crossing, off the A67, to get in touch.

Mr Stoddart, managing director at Durham Precision Engineering, said: "John and Dave were not just highly valued work colleagues, but also personal friends in our life outside work.

"We have constantly faced new challenges and both John and Dave played major parts in helping us to succeed."

Both the men were tool makers. Mr Longstaff, from Durham Lane, Piercebridge, was a keen motorcyclist and father-of-two. He was driving the bike when the accident happened.

Mr Tarn, from Bickford Terrace, Aycliffe Village, who was the pillion passenger, enjoyed hunting, dogs and shooting. He has a young son.

Mr Stoddart said: "They were always willing to share their knowledge and experience with other employees.

"All our thoughts at this time are with their families. They will be greatly missed but never forgotten by us."

An inquest into their deaths is expected to open next week. Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to contact police on 0191-375 2159.