A BIKER killed in a road accident had described how he was enjoying a ‘superb’ trip in the minutes leading up to the crash.

Tributes have been paid to Shaun Taylor, 47, who was involved in a collision with a grey Nissan Navara car in Bolton by Bowland, in the Ribble Valley, on Tuesday.

The accident happened around 1.45pm as Mr Taylor was travelling south towards Sawley.

He was in collision with the 4x4 vehicle travelling in the opposite direction, on a left hand bend, police said.

Mr Taylor was thrown from his bike and sustained substantial injuries and died at the scene.

The driver of the 4x4, who was from the Wyre area, suffered minor injuries.

Prior to the accident, Mr Taylor, a former Blackburn College and St Michael’s High School, Chorley, student, had posted updates of his bike trip on Facebook.

On Tuesday morning, Mr Taylor, who was self-employed and described himself as single, had updated his Facebook status saying: “Think I might have a little blast to Settle today.”

He later said: “It’s been superb coming here, big ones up A59.

“Come out right by Singing Kettle. Can’t beat it.”

Later in the morning, Mr Taylor, from Adlington, near Chorley, updated his location as The Singing Kettle tearooms in Settle, North Yorkshire, posting a picture outside, saying he was drinking tea and ‘people watching’.

Shortly after, he made a final post which read simply ‘time to go’.

Mr Taylor’s, sister Sarah Taylor, left a message for his friends. She wrote: “Unfortunately my brother Shaun was involved in an accident on his bike and he died at the scene.

“The family are coming to terms with it and will let any of his close friends know details of the funeral when we are able to organise it.” Dozens of tributes have been left to Mr Taylor on his Facebook page.

Tom Mcquiggan said: “You could spend a long time with some people and never really know them, but you could know Shaun for a short time and feel like he'd been your pal forever.

“Always keen to help and encourage others, always upbeat and never complained. Top, top guy.”

Simon Bates said: “So in shock my friend you will be sadly missed.

“I will remember all the great times we had and the riding skills you taught me.”

Police are continuing with their appeal for anyone who witnessed the accident, or who has any information about it, to call 101.