THE family of 59-year-old motorcyclist Mark Wilkin, who died after a collision near Leedstown on Saturday, have paid tribute to the Cury man.

The self-employed drumming tutor taught in multi-academy schools on the Lizard Peninsula, including St Keverne and Manaccan and further afield including St Day and Truro High School.

The family said: “On Saturday night, we lost a loving husband, a supportive and sensitive father, and a beloved friend.

“Next to his family, his two greatest loves were his motorbike and his music. He was larger than life, a "force of nature", who had unending energy and enthusiasm for his life and his music.

“Those who knew him will remember him for his quick wit and wicked sense of humour. He was an inspirational teacher and a passionate drummer.

"Most recently his passion had been directed towards developing his band, Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump, as anyone who has spoken to him in past two years probably knows!

“Mark recently described this project as, next to his two sons, "his finest creation".

All of the music and words were his own, brought to life by the band's talented musicians. Through his sons, we intend to keep the band going; as long as his music is alive, Mark will still be with us.”

Police were notified at around 10.45pm to reports of a collision between a black Triumph Bonneville Motorcycle and a silver Hyundai I30 car on the B3302 at Binner Bridge near Leedstown.

Mark was taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital where he later died.

The road was closed for seven hours whilst officers from the roads policing team carried out vital work at the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police via 101@dc.police.uk or by calling 101 quoting log number 1047 of 05/05/2018.