Tributes have poured in for RAF Lyneham aircraftsman Barry Leadbetter who died when his motorbike collided with a van in Christian Malford last Friday.

Mr Leadbetter, 28, from Widnes in Cheshire, was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining severe head and chest injuries.

His friends at RAF Lyneham along with his family have set up an online tribute group in his memory which has already attracted almost 250 people to join.

Colleague Steve Baker said: "I am so shocked and saddened, words can never express the loss of such a top bloke - it really is such a cruel cruel world.

"It was both an honour to work with you and know you. My thoughts are with your family and loved ones."

Another friend from RAF Lyneham Gavin Dunn said: "Mate, you were part of my RAF Family since you first arrived at Lyneham, words fail me to put across how much you will be missed and how your memory will be cherished. My thoughts and wishes are with your family."

Friend Nicola Thomas said: "What a top lad Barry was, not a single bad word to say about him. "Had a wicked, dry sense of humour and a cheeky, cheesy grin that I can still see now.

"So shocked to hear this tragic news."

His cousin Viki Leadbetter said: "We are all devastated and cant believe this has happened - he was a lovely guy."

Another cousin Sharon Feeney said: "Still in deep shock and absolutly devastated...cant believe your gone.

"You we're only teasing me the other week and winding me up encouraging my lad Joseph to join the forces when he's older and loving every minute of me getting more and more annoyed.

" You really knew how to pull everyone's strings to wind them up didn't you. we will all miss you but we know you'll be looked after by Our John and your Dad."