Family's tributes to tragic rider, 38

The family of a Wolverhampton motorcyclist killed in a tragic accident today paid tribute to him as a loving and dedicated father.

Scott Illidge, aged 38, died after his Aprilia bike was in collision with a car while he was on his way to a motorbike gathering. His grieving relatives said they missed him more each day.

His father George, aged 61, of Victoria Road, Compton, said: "He wasn't just my son, he was my best friend as well."

Mr Illidge's mother Carol, 59, said her son was a keen motorcyclist who had competed in motocross competitions throughout the region.

But the former Aldersley High School pupil and engineering sales worker was dedicated to his two-year-old son, George, more than anything else. "He was a great dad," said his wife

Nicola, aged 37, a health visitor from Bramstead Avenue, Compton. "He loved to play with George and throw him up in the air and catch him. His favourite thing was to read The Gruffalo to him."

Mrs Illidge said since the tragedy, her son had asked about his father and the family were keeping a memory box of pictures to give to George when he is older.

Mr Illidge's sister Tracey, 40, from Pendeford, said her brother had always been popular and had often been mistaken for TV presenter Declan Donnelly.

Mr Illidge, who had previously owned the former Euro Bar, on Queen Street, died after the crash on the A488 between Shrewsbury and Bishop's Castle on June 26. He had been travelling to a motorbike gathering in Wales with his friend Chris Perry, from Halesowen.