FRIENDS and acquaintances of a Wickhamford couple who were killed after being hit by a car near the village have been paying tribute.

The couple, named locally as Colin and Natalie Briffett, died on Sunday, May 2, after they were hit by a blue Ford Focus in Longdon Hill, at around 9.40pm.

They were both pronounced dead at the scene,

Those who knew Mr and Mrs Briffett, said they were a lovely couple who both enjoyed riding out on their motorcycles and were valuable members of their local community.

Nigel Milward, secretary of Wickhamford Sports Club where the couple, especially Mrs Briffett had organised several fundraising events, said the news of their death had been a shock to everyone.

"They were a lovely couple who had many friends and who had supported the club's functions ever since they moved here.

"Natalie was an avid walker and runner and was planning to do the Three Peaks Challenge either this year or next. They were both well liked. They enjoyed their motorbikes and will be a huge loss to the club and to all of us who knew them."

Mrs Briffett had taken part in the Santa Dash in Evesham's The Valley, in December, which raised money for St Richard's Hospice.

Mr Briffett had worked at Johnson Brothers, Compounding Ltd, at Honeybourne, for the past three years.

On Facebook, people have been leaving their condolences, including friend Mark Barrett wrote: "RIP Colin and Natalie. Party hard in the forever chapter. Good bye, not forgotten.

A 58-year-old man was arrested following the crash on suspicion of death by dangerous driving and released on police bail until July 16.

West Mercia Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the accident or saw anything in the lead-up to contact them on 101 with incident number 691s of Sunday, May 1.