A FAMILY have paid tribute to a father-of-two who died after he was thrown from his motorbike.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the death of Christopher Lees, 40, of Nelson, after he lost control of his Kawazaki Ninja on a bend near the Moorcock Inn, Blacko, on Monday.

The father of three sustained chest and stomach injuries and was taken to the Burnley General Hospital after being treated by paramedics, but died later the same day The family of the former Scottish National Sky Diving champion were at his bedside when he died shortly before midnight.

In a statement they said: "Chris was a loving son to Mary and father to three young boys aged nine, five and two years.

"He was very much the doting dad, very proud of his sons and was a happy and much-loved member of a large family who will miss him greatly.."

The former Fisher-More High School, Colne, pupil was travelling on the right hand bend when he was thrown from his motorcycle, which came to rest some yards down the road, police said.

Police said he had been followed by a fellow rider from Gisburn towards Blacko when the accident occurred and have appealed for witnesses.

Road policing Sergeant Gareth Hill said: "We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this accident to come forward."

Call the Road Policing Unit at Colne on 01282 472431 with information.