THE family of a Birtsmorton motorcylist who died following an accident have paid tribute to a fun-loving man who had time for everyone.

Paul Eggerton came off his Suzuki at about 3pm on September 6 in Longdon Marsh.

He was air-lifted to Worcestershire Royal Hospital and then transferred to Walsgrave Hospital, Coventry, where he died on Tuesday (October 12).

The 33-year-old lived with his parents, Tom and Joyce, at 13, Rye Street, next door to his grandmother Amy, to whom he was devoted.

He was passionate about country and western music and loved line-dancing, which he taught every week at Hanley Swan Village Hall. He had once organised and taken part in a 24-hour line-dancing marathon to raise money for charity.

His Father, Tom, said: "Music was his life. Country and western and line dancing - they were his big interests."

Paul had worked as a cashier at Tesco in Ledbury for three years and was well-liked by customers. His mother said that people would go to his till especially.

"He had more friends than I ever knew," she said.

His father added: "He was one of those lads that people liked and he'd do anything for anybody. Everybody cared about him."

Paul also enjoyed flower- arranging and made wreaths and other arrangements in his spare time. His younger brother, Wayne, said he loved spending time with his three nieces and nephews.

"He loved kids and always had time for them. He never forgot their birthdays," he said.

Paul went to Castlemorton Primary School and what was then the Old Hills School, before going on to Hanley Castle High School. He left school at 16 and began work in Hammonds Plastics in Ledbury. It was about this time that he got his first motorbike, to get to and from work.

Mr Eggerton said his son was a good, experienced rider and he could not understand how the accident had occurred.

"I wish I knew what had happened because it would ease my mind," he said,

"He was such a good lad. Everybody liked him. He had no enemies in the world. I just can't understand why it happened."

Paul's funeral will be held next week at Hollybush Church. The date has yet to be confirmed and those who would like to attend should call Smiths Funerals, of Newent, on 01531 820474.