THE family of a former Wilmington man, who died following a motorcycle accident, has paid tribute to him, describing him as a kind, caring, loyal guy with a great sense of humour .

THE family of a former Wilmington man, who died following a motorcycle accident, has paid tribute to him, describing him as "a kind, caring, loyal guy with a great sense of humour".

Jonathan Sandercock, 46, was riding home from Thruxton with a group of motorbike friends when his bike was involved in a collision with a bridge on a dual carriageway.

The father-of-one, who lived in East Worlington, near Crediton, was the son of Jenny and Brian Sandercock.

He was a loving brother to Kate, Lindsey, Tina and Peta, and a devoted dad to Juliet.

Sister Kate Adams said: "He died doing what he loved --riding his 916sp Ducati.

"Jon developed a lifelong passion for motorbikes in his teens and, since then, has owned and ridden many motorbikes.

"In recent years, he joined the Ducati Club and gradually became the owner of a red Ducati 916, a blue Ducati 750 Paso, a red Ducati 750 Paso and a grey Ducati 900ss."

Kate said her brother, a former pupil of Offwell Primary School who went on to attend Honiton Community College, spent countless hours servicing and rebuilding his bikes in the garage at his home.

"He was a top bloke and liked by everyone who met him," she said.

"He was a kind, caring, genuine, loyal, hardworking, straight talking, no nonsense kind of guy, with a great sense of humour and a cheeky grin to match.

"He always cherished the simple things in life the most.

"Although he was taken away from us long before his time, we know that he has influenced everyone who has known him in a way that will stay with them for the rest of their lives."

Mr Sandercock died on May 31. His funeral service, attend by 200 mourners, was held at Offwell.

A cavalcade of motorbikes escorted him to the church from a chapel of rest in Honiton.

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