Tributes have been paid to a motorcyclist who died in a collision on New Year's Day.

Thomas Simpson was riding  through Altham when he lost control of his motorbike and collided with a sign.

The 26-year-old sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Simpson's family, from Blackburn, paid tribute to the ex-soldier.

They said: "Thomas was a bright and articulate young man who was well loved by his family and friends and he loved them all very much too. He had an insatiable thirst for life and will be sadly missed. He was an ex-soldier with the Duke of Lancaster Regiment."

Police said Mr Simpson was travelling from the direction of Clayton-le-Moors, towards Padiham, when the collision occurred outside the Walton Arms on Burnley Road between 7.30am and 7.55am on Tuesday, January 1.

Sergeant Jon Allwright from the Road Policing Unit said the incident is being investigated.

He added: “This is a tragic accident and a horrific start to 2013. We have deployed a specially trained family liaison officer who is supporting the family and next of kin at this time and our condolences and thoughts are with them.

“I would ask for any witnesses who may have seen the motorcyclist prior to the accident or were in the area around that time to contact the police on 101 and quote log number 1369 of 1st January.”

See more on this story in this week's Accrington Observer