Tributes have been paid to a biker who died in a crash on the Weymouth to Bridport coast road.

The family of Ian Hateley, 47, have said he is 'already hugely missed as a son, father, brother, partner, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend.'

Maintenance engineer Mr Hateley was travelling on the B3157 shortly after 2pm on Sunday, September 1, when his silver Honda motorcycle, travelling east, and a black BMW 1 Series, travelling in the opposite direction between Abbotsbury and Swyre, were involved in a crash near to the junction with Clay Lane.

Mr Hateley, from the Trowbridge area in Wiltshire, was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital with serious injuries. He died in the early hours of Monday, September 2.

His family has issued the following statement: “Ian was loved by all knew him and will be remembered as a very kind, talented, generous, genuine, funny and happy person, with an infectious smile and a cheeky twinkle in his eye.

“The family would like to express special thanks to all the attending emergency services, including the Dorset Air Ambulance, as well as the doctors and staff at Southampton General Hospital, and Dorset Police, especially the family liaison officers.”

An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned yesterday. Another hearing will be held on April 22 next year.