A CYCLIST who died when his bike was in a collision with a parked van in a Worcestershire village has now been named.

Bruce Hindle died in his home village of Hallow, near Worcester, on Friday, when he rode into a stationary lorry.

Mr Hindle, aged 29, was training to be a primary school teacher at the University of Worcester.

Yesterday Mr Hindle’s family were too upset to comment on his death.

But a friend said he would be greatly missed.

“Bruce would have wanted everyone to know he was a Christian and lived his life as a follower of Jesus Christ,” said the man, who asked not to be named. “He also did a lot of work with children.”

The University of Worcester paid tribute to Mr Hindle. Vice-chancellor Professor David Green said: “This is a tragic loss. The university is a close-knit community and it has been shocked and immensely saddened by his death.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with Bruce’s family, friends and classmates. Bruce was a popular student and the depth of emotion over the last few days testifies to the warm regard in which so many students and staff held him.”

Paramedics, police, firefighters and the county air ambulance all attended the crash on the A443 near the Crown Inn and Royal Oak pubs at 1.50pm on Friday.

The road was closed off to all vehicles for more than three hours while police officers carried out their investigations.

Mr Hindle of Oakleigh Avenue, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The AutoSmart MAN container van involved was not moving at the time of the accident.

An inquest into Mr Hindle’s death was opened and adjourned on Tuesday.

A thanksgiving service will be held on Tuesday, December 2 at the Woodgreen Evangelical Church, Hastings Drive, Warndon Vilalges, Worcester at 2pm.

Police are continuing to appeal for help following the accident. Witnesses are urged to call police on 0300 333 3000, quoting incident number 418S/211108.