A FORMER Kidderminster College lecturer died of a heart attack while riding a motorbike in Gloucestershire at the weekend.

Blakedown man Colin Johns, 56, was riding along the A417 near Birdlip when he died suddenly at about 4.40am on Saturday.

A celebration of his life will be held in the village next week, with anyone who knew him welcome to attend.

A spokeswoman for Gloucester Coroner's Office said there would be no inquest into the death as a post mortem found he had died of natural causes.

He leaves a wife of 33 years, Jane, who described him as a "well-loved family man", as well as three grown-up children - two teachers and a doctor - and two grandchildren.

Mr Johns, of Belbroughton Road, was born and brought up in Birmingham but had lived in Blakedown for 30 years.

He was a vintage motorbike enthusiast and also enjoyed flying microlites.

Mr Johns had recently taken a job as a bus driver with First Midland Red, following his retirement after 14 years' service at the college.

Principal Andrew Miller said Mr Johns had retired last year after serving as a community studies lecturer before becoming section manager.

"I only found out on Monday morning," he added.

"It was a shock. It's terrible news. We are all very sad about what has happened."

The celebration of Mr Johns' life will be held at Blakedown Parish Rooms at 1pm on Friday, May 10, with donations to British Heart Foundation. All are welcome.