THE partner of a motorcyclist who died after an accident has spoken of her sadness.

Nigel Wright, of West Crescent, Darlington, was heading west through Middleton-In- Teesdale, County Durham, when the crash happened on the Laneside B road at about 2.50pm on Saturday.

Mr Wright’s yellow Ducati 750cc motorbike was involved in the accident with a blue Mercedes-Benz being driven by a 66-year-old woman, who was pulling out from the drive of her home.

The 45-year-old was thrown from his machine.

The woman driving the car suffered minor injuries and did not need of hospital treatment.

The road was closed until 7pm.

Mr Wright’s partner of four years, Jane MacRae Stephenson, yesterday described him as a kind, fun-loving person who had a lot of friends.

She said his loved ones have been left in shock after the tragedy. Mr Wright had been a project engineer for a Birmingham company, working in the Midlands during the week and returning home at weekends.

His partner said Mr Wright had fallen in love with motorbikes as a teenager and had learnt to ride to an advanced level.

She said: “Nigel was a kind, fun-loving person who was a great friend to many people.

“He was very good with anything technical or electrical and had been a keen biker since he was 14.

“This has been a tragic accident and all those who knew and loved Nigel are struggling to come to terms with what has happened.”

Police, who said Mr Wright had helped to instruct police motorcyclists in Lincoln, are appealing for witnesses to the accident to call 0191-375-2159.