MOTORCYCLIST Richard James Hopwood lost his life pursuing the hobby he loved on his favourite route through the Dales.

Mr Hopwood, 53, of Foredale Cottages, Helwith Bridge, died when his yellow Suzuki bike was in a head-on collision with a blue Peugeot 406, driven by Roger Walton, 61, of Giggleswick, on the road between Ingleton and Hawes at 7.30pm last Thursday.

He died from his injuries and Mr Walton was taken to Lancaster Royal Infirmary.

Born in Leeds, Mr Hopwood always loved motorbikes but, like many sons, his mother would never allow him to have one.

However, four years ago, he decided to indulge his passion and loved to ride on the scenic route past Ribblehead and on to Hawes.

He first came to North Craven in his 20s and enjoyed caving in the area. He was also a keen walker and would spend time in the Dales, Lakes and in Scotland.

Originally an engineer, he later joined the water board and moved from Leeds to the Flying Horseshoe Cottages, Clapham.

Mr Hopwood then went to live in Helwith Bridge and worked for the water company in Settle, later moving to Skipton, where he became a technician, and then on to Bradford, commuting daily.

He met his wife, Linda, in Ingleton, and the couple married in 1986. They have a daughter Laura, 11, a pupil at Settle Middle School.

Mrs Hopwood said: "Richard had always wanted to have a motorbike but his mother wouldn't let him have one. Four years ago he thought he would get one and it was his hobby.

"Whenever the weather was nice he would go out. The ride up to Hawes was his favourite. He was a very good, steady rider and he never took risks.

"He was a good father and a good husband and will be sadly missed by everyone."

The family is grateful to everyone for their help since the crash.

The funeral will be held at 1pm today (Friday) at St Oswald's Church, Horton-in-Ribblesdale followed by cremation at Skipton.

Police are appealing for witnesses. They particularly want to trace a man driving a blue Ford Escort, with two children in the back, who stopped at the scene. Anyone who can help should contact TC John Frankland on 01609 789326.