The family of a Vernham Dean man who died after a collision between Overton and Kingsclere have paid tribute to him.

James East was riding a Honda CBR motorbike on the B3051 when a collision took place on Wednesday, June 16 between a black Nissan Qashqai, a grey Skoda Fabia and his vehicle. The vehicles collided at 6:06pm, and the 59-year-old died at the scene.

Paying tribute to him, his family said: “James was a morning person. Like the sun, he rose early and spread warmth and happiness wherever he went. A smile here, a kind word there, always himself. Mild mannered, charming, good humoured, loving, honest and true.

“He was a skilled engineer. He transitioned from industrial pump manufacture to highly technical work, then to field service where his problem solving abilities and disarming cheerfulness were highly valued and commented on.

“He loved to be outdoors, enjoying long walks, cycling, and quality time with his family. Interested in everything, music, history, aviation, politics, sport, nature. He could talk to anyone. He loved to make people smile.

“Taken from his family far too soon while enjoying the simple pleasure of a motorbike ride on a summer afternoon, he will be missed by friends and colleagues across the country, but particularly by his much loved family. His wife and two treasured sons, whose lives are devastated. His mother, brother and sister also feel his loss keenly.

“James was our focal point. Our rock, our happiness, our role model. We cannot begin to imagine life without him. There is no more joy in our silent, colourless world.”

Following the collision, a 35-year-old Overton man was released under investigation on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle with “a proportion of a specific controlled drug above the specified limit”. Police are continuing to investigate this alleged offence.

Officers continuing their investigations are appealing for witnesses to come forward, particularly anyone with dash-cam footage of the collision.

Anyone who can help is asked to call 101 quoting reference number 44210236838. Alternatively, you can phone Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.