A MOTHER-OF-THREE killed in a motorbike crash on the A46 near the Worcestershire border was "loved and treasured" her family have said.

Diana Burgess died when the Kawasaki 650cc bike she was riding was involved in a crash with a car on the stretch of road between Beckford and Ashton-under-Hill at about 9.45am on Tuesday, October 16.

Her family have revealed she had only just taken up motorcycling again, after having her children.

And the weekend prior to the fatal crash, she had completed a rigorous motorcycling safety training course.

The 40-year-old of Pershore Road in Evesham was praised as a loving mother and wife by her husband Kevin Burgess.

She was declared dead at the scene by a doctor from the Midlands Air Ambulance and named officially on Friday after the coroner for Worcestershire opened and adjourned an inquest into her death.

Mr Burgess said: "As a family we are devastated by the sudden and tragic death of Diana who was a beloved wife and treasured mummy to her three princesses; five-year-old Hannah, Eva, aged three, and Emma, aged two.

"Diana had a zest for life and was renowned for her infectious laugh and vibrant personality. She was loved and treasured by all who knew her."

Diana was born in Nijmegen in Holland but moved to England in her early 20s.

She kept strong links with family and friends in the Netherlands, visiting and holidaying there regularly and was keen her three children should know and appreciate their heritage.

Mr Burgess said: "Diana was a keen skier and passionate biker: she had recently returned to riding after the birth of her three children.

"Riding her bike gave her a sense of joy, freedom and well-being.

"She had completed a number of police biker safety awareness courses and in the weekend prior to her death had passed her test with the Institute of Advanced Motorists [advanced motorcylcing course].

"We feel privileged and blessed to have had Diana in our lives and we know that she will be sadly and deeply missed by all whose lives were touched by her, including family and friends in both Holland and Evesham.

"We would like to thank all Diana's friends who have sent kind messages, wishes and prayers which have been, and will continue to be of such comfort to us at this difficult time."

The driver of a black Peugeot 308 car involved in the crash - a man in his 40s from Bristol - was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and is currently on bail, pending further police inquiries.