FAMILY and friends of a motorcyclist killed in a road accident have paid emotional tributes to him.

Gentle, genuine and great are the words chosen to describe 39-year-old Steven Pickles, of Chalcroft Road, Folkestone.

He died in a crash while enjoying a ride though East Sussex on his Kawasaki ZX900 after returning from the TT races in the Isle of Man.

Mr Pickles and regular riding partners Simon Charman and Geordie, who did not wish to give his surname, were on the A259 at Pevensey, near Eastbourne, on Saturday at about 4.15pm when the tragedy happened. Mr Pickles was in collision with a Ford Sierra. He died at the scene.

Mr Charman said: “He was the safest rider I have ever known, which is why it does not make sense that this has happened to him. He was a good friend, a great bloke. He would do whatever he could for you, for anyone.

“He was a lovely fella in that respect. If he had the time, he would help you out. And he was devoted to his little girl.”

Geordie added: “He was the guy of guys, one hell of a guy. He lived life. He liked a bit of fun. He was genuine. After Saturday, my bike is in the garage and it will stay in there.”

The eldest of three brothers, Mr Pickles, who leaves a seven-year-old daughter, was a popular and respected colleague at the CET Group at Harrietsham, near Maidstone, where he worked as a materials tester.

His brother Malcolm told the Kentish Express he had lost his best friend: “He was a doting father. His passion was motorbikes and once the bug has got you, that’s it. Despite outwards appearances, he was the most caring and gentle person I ever knew. He is desperately missed.”

The funeral takes place at All Souls’ Church in Cheriton at 2pm on Wednesday, June 29. The family has asked for no flowers, but donations through Chittendens Funeral Services for their chosen charities. Sussex police are investigating the crash.