THE family of a man who died in a bike accident have paid tribute to him.

Harry Wilmers, 25, died after a crash with a lorry in Trafford, Manchester.

The former Stubbins County Primary, Haslingden High School and Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School pupil was a keen skier with an infectious personality, according to his family.

Harry’s brother, Thomas, speaking on behalf of the family and Thomas’s partner Rebecca Stephenson, said: “Harry’s qualities of boundless kindness and sensitivity were felt by all who met him.

“Although Harry’s life was prematurely curtailed, it was filled with love and happiness, both given and received.

“Harry looked for, and always found, the good in people and shared his great capacity for love and laughter with everyone he met.

“The loss of the future dad and uncle in Harry, as well as the rest of his immense potential, will leave a gaping hole.”

Harry, who has lived in Rawtenstall and Haslingden, completed a degree in English literature at Lancaster University before travelling across Eastern Europe.

He was due to start a masters in social work at Manchester Metropolitan University in September.

Lynda Taylor, deputy head of Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, said: “Harry was a very special young man and a delight to have in school.

“He was outstanding academically, and he was blessed with a strong social awareness.”