Tributes have been paid to a Bingley motorcyclist and radio presenter who was killed as she overtook a tractor in North Yorkshire.

Gail Richards 42, the mother of a teenage daughter, was riding a black Suzuki GS XR 750cc bike and was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on the B6479, near Horton-In-Ribblesdale, shortly after 1pm on Saturday.

Mrs Richards was well-known in the world of motorcycling through her regular Friday night show on internet station Biker FM.

Nicknamed “Catlass”, her programme focussed on the thrill of motorbike road racing and involved interviews and music.

On her Twitter site, she described herself as a “biker bird” and “grease monkey” who was devoted to motorbike life.

Biker FM owner Suggsy Blackburn last night described Mrs Richards as “a bubbly, outrageous and an absolutely cracking lass.”

He said she had broadcast her Friday night show for three years and had interviewed all the greats of British motorcycle road racing.

“She spoke to every single road racer that Britain’s got to offer. Last year she broadcast live from the pits at the Isle of Man TT and totally lived and breathed everything bikes,” Mr Blackburn said.

“And I know she was a very competent rider as well.”

Based in Bristol, Mr Blackburn said many of her fellow Biker FM presenters from across the country would make the journey to her funeral and a lot of her fans would do the same.

“We will also be broadcasting a tribute show to Gail on Friday at her usual 8pm to 10pm slot,” he added.

Mrs Richards was with another rider on a Kawasaki ZX 1000cc bike on Saturday and both were enjoying the popular bikers’ route through the Dales. They then joined a third biker by chance while travelling along the dry stone-walled twisting roads.

Immediately before Mrs Richards’s crash the two other motorcycles had overtaken the tractor.

North Yorkshire Police said the rider of the lead bike, who had not been riding with the other two, did not stop at the scene, apparently unaware of the tragic accident behind him.

He has now subsequently contacted police. The spokesman added that an investigation was under way into what had caused the accident. An inquest into Mrs Richards’s death is expected to be opened and adjourned tomorrow.

Anyone with information about the crash should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.