A CLOSE friend of the motorcyclist who died in an accident near the Three Counties Showground has paid tribute to the 'daredevil dad'.

Mark Wesley, a 35-year-old father of two from Malvern, was killed in a collision with a car on the B4209 on September 25.

Martin Reeley met Mr Wesley, nicknamed Wes, eight years ago when they were both mountain biking on the Malvern Hills.

They rode together all over Britain and France and in 2000 competed in the European Championships, a weekend Mr Reeley described as one of his friend's proudest moments.

Although he did not win any titles, Mr Reeley said Mr Wesley loved the adrenaline rush he got from competing.

"Mark was competitive but he just loved the outdoors, loved the mountains and the freedom of being on his mountain bike," he said.

"Whether he did good or bad, he was always smiling about it and happy as Larry."

Mr Wesley had been a motorbike enthusiast since leaving school and had never been without a bike. The mountain biking came later.

He had hundreds of friends in the mountain biking community, including Olympian Tracey Mosley.

"There isn't a mountain biker in Malvern who didn't know him," said Mr Reeley. "The mountain biking community is devastated. He's going to be greatly missed."

Mr Wesley competed most weekends but Mr Reeley said he was dedicated to his family as well.

"He lived for his kids and his pride in his children was lovely," he said. "He was a bit of a daredevil dad like myself."

Mr Reeley said his friend was a man who lived his life to the full.

"He did all the racing he wanted to do, had all the bikes he wanted and lived how he wanted to live," he said.