TRIBUTES have been paid to a motorcyclist who died in a crash on the A68 last week.


David Michael Farrell died in a collision on the A68 at Allensford Bank, near Consett, shortly after 3.30pm last Thursday.


The 30-year-old, from Bridgehill, Consett, was riding an off-road bike which collided with a Nissan Qashqai heading in the opposite direction.


Mr Farrell was pronounced dead at the scene. The occupants of the Nissan, a couple in their 60s from Scotland, were uninjured.


In a statement, his family said: “David was a devoted father to his young son, a loving fiancé and a cherished son, brother and uncle.


“His family and friends are devastated by this tragic and unexpected accident.


“The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the driver of the other vehicle involved and the paramedics who attempted resuscitation at the scene”.


A police investigation into the cause of the collision is continuing. Anyone with information or with dashcam footage is asked to contact Durham Constabulary’s Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 236 of April 11.