A POPULAR fireman was killed when his motorcycle crashed on a country road.
Blackburn Rovers fan David Standing, 44, of Russell Street, Accrington, was travelling along Quernmore Brow, near Lancaster, when it is thought he lost control of the Suzuki CSXR 1000 as he negotiated a left-hand bend.
The bike hit a fence, careered into a field and landed on top of him.
Police and a member of the public attempted to revive him until paramedics arrived. They also tried resuscitation but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said no-one else was involved in the accident which occurred at 8.15pm on Tuesday.
Mr Standing, who had worked at Accrington and Hyndburn Fire Stations for more than 16 years, leaves two children Lee, 18, and Rebecca, 15.
He was said by his 19-year-old niece Rachel Whittaker to have been "an amazing person".
He was not a member of any motorcycle groups but would attend rallies with Accrington Motorcycle Club.
Distraught Rachel, of Clement Street, Accrington, told the Observer: "We want to let everyone know that this man was an amazing person, a firefighter, a great dad and uncle. Everyone in the family had the greatest respect for him.
"He was so into his biking that he would go to the TT in the Isle of Man every year and was due to take his son away next weekend.
"He was an avid fan of Blackburn Rovers and would go to every home game depending on work. We all miss him so much and it's going to be hard for us to forget him."
Hyndburn Fire Station commander Ian Potter said: "David was a typical fireman. When he needed to be serious he would be but he liked a laugh just like the rest of us, to help lighten spirits.
"He was a regular guy who took the job seriously and he was very professional. Being a firefighter is all that David ever wanted to be and he did a great service to the community.
"At the station the mood is very low at the moment but his watch, Blue Watch, is not on duty until Friday so it will be hard for them when they come into work because David won't be there.
"Firefighters are part of a very close-knit unit. They have to be because they all rely on each other in dangerous situations.
"David lived and breathed the Fire Brigade and we are all very proud to have worked with him in Hyndburn. Everyone here is absolutely gutted."
Chief fire officer for Lancashire, Peter Holland, passed on his sympathies to Mr Standing's family and added: "He was a very popular and respected firefighter and our thoughts are with his loved ones and the colleagues that worked alongside him."
Mick Priestley, chairman of Accrington Motorcycle Club, said: "He was well-known by all of us in the club. I personally have known him for 20 or 30 years and he was very popular.
"He would come on rallies and attend many of our social events and meetings in the Hope and Anchor.
"This is a terrible tragedy."
Other members of Mr Standing's family were unavailable for comment as the Observer went to press.
