THE father of a motorbike racer who died in a road accident has paid tribute to a beloved son who "lived life to the full" and "lived for racing".

James Crumpton had only just returned to racing in April after a blood clot on his brain, caused by a non-racing head injury, left him needing major brain surgery and unable to race for almost three years.

He believed he had been given a second chance and told the Shuttle/Times & News in April that "nothing was going to stand in his way" because he was "mentally fitter and stronger and more determined".

An accident on the track the following month left him with a broken hip and hand but he defied doctors' predictions that he would be hospitalised for a month by taking part in the Ulster Grand Prix five weeks later.

The sportsman died, however, on Sunday, at the age of 36.

He was the passenger in a white Ford Transit 350 van, which left the road on the B4194 Bewdley to Stourport road, known as the Switchback.

His proud father, Bill, who travelled around the country and overseas to watch his son race, said his family had been "devastated" by his death.

He added his son, who lived with his parents in Manor Close, Stourport, hardly ever drank - spending most of his time going to the gym and swimming - but was on his way to the pub for a couple of pints with a friend when the collision occurred.

The 29-year-old driver of the van was in a "comfortable" position as the Shuttle/Times & News went to press.

James's father Bill said: "It was close before - he probably had about an hour to live - but he fought back and was out of intensive care in two days and back home in just over a week.

"He always seemed to have that motivation that he could just will himself better just to get racing again. He liked to live life to the full but all he ever thought about was racing."

He said his son, who was looking forward to attending a Stourport High School reunion next month, "thought the world" of his two nieces, 12-week-old Jessica and seven-year-old Tiffany and had taken Tiffany out swimming the night before he died.

"The whole family is close and we're all devastated by what's happened," the 62-year-old went on, explaining his wife, Maureen, was too distraught to talk about her son's death.

He said they had been inundated with condolence phone calls, especially from Ireland and the Isle of Man, where James was well known on the motorbike racing scene.

These were parts of the Irish championships, along with the North West 200, which the keen Manchester United supporter also competed in.

The funeral is being held at Worcester Crematorium at 10am next Thursday.

The Crumpton family is requesting family flowers only and donations will be sent to the TT Helicopter Fund in the Isle of Man.

Bill said they did not want mourners wearing black.

"They can come in whatever they would normally wear," he said, "Jeans, football or bike shirts, whatever."

l The cause of the accident, in which Mr Crumpton died shortly after 7pm on Sunday, is unknown.

Police, who believe another vehicle was involved, have issued an appeal for information.

Media liaison officer, Lynne Masters, explained a small red car had been found abandoned in the Vale Road car park in Stourport on Monday morning and police were looking into the possibility it was involved in the collision.

They are appealing for the driver to come forward and anyone who saw it being left at the car park.

Officers also want to hear from anyone who was using the B4194 between 6.30pm and 7.05pm on Sunday, in particular anyone who saw the van or a red or maroon car travelling towards Stourport.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Road Policing Unit at Rubery on 08457 444888.