TRIBUTES have been paid by members of Thurrock's motorcycling fraternity to a West Tilbury man who died in a crash at Bulphan earlier this week.

Brian Richardson, known to his many friends as 'Dinks', was killed after his motorbike was involved in a collision on the A128 at the junction with the old Brentwood Road adjacent to Ye Olde Plough hotel near Bulphan early on Monday evening.

Floral tributes and messages of condolence have been left at the scene.

And Chadwell Motorcycles, a bike shop in Chadwell St Mary which is a focal point for many local bike enthusiasts, announced his death and said how much one of their 'regulars' will be missed.

A short statement from the shop said: "It's a hard thing to hear when we lose a fellow biker but it's even harder when they are one of your own.

"One of our Saturday regulars, Brian Richardson (aka Dinks) sadly lost his life doing what he loved best.

"Our deepest condolences go out to his family.

"You will be greatly missed by all that knew you, until we meet again. RIP Dinks."

Others have joined the tribute, describing Mr Richardson as 'a top bloke', 'all round nice guy' and 'a truly great friend.'