THE family of a motorcyclist who died in a collision near Kilnsey at the weekend have paid tribute to a “devoted husband and father”.

The collision happened on the B6160, about a mile north of Kilnsey, at around 12.50pm on Sunday. Phil Wilson, 52, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, was travelling towards Kettlewell on his motorbike and died at the scene.

His family today paid tribute to a “devoted husband to Karen and father to Dan, Matt, Kerris and Brogan”.

In a statement, they said: “As a family our hearts are broken and our lives will never be the same. It was not his time to go and we just keep wishing it was all a bad dream.”

His wife Karen said: “This was my husband. He was the happiest of souls, I am truly heartbroken. I want to say thank you to the kind people who tried in vain to help him, but if anyone else can help with any more information, I will be grateful.

She added: “Not sure where the hell I go from here, I’m numb. You never think these things are going to happen to you.

“Hold each other close tonight. I will see you again Phil, we are meant to be together.”

Police are continuing to appeal for any witnesses to come forward to help officers establish the full circumstances. In particular, officers would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the or has any dash-cam footage taken in the area at the time, which may have captured the collision or the motorbike prior to the incident.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to email Gemma.Brett@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or call 101 and ask for North Yorkshire Police, quoting the reference number 12200127821.