TRIBUTES have been paid to a keen motorcyclist who died of a heart attack at the age of 43.

A plaque was placed at The Old Nick, in Royal Wootton Bassett, last night in honour of Simon Fisher – known as Fish – after he died on March 16.

His funeral took place at St Bartholomew’s Church on April 9 followed by a committal at Kingsdown Crematorium, which saw about 200 motorcyclists lining the High Street and more than 70 forming a bike hearse.

Simon’s partner of two and a half years, Kerrie Dixon, said: “Fish was the most kind and thoughtful person I had ever met.

“If you wanted your bike looked at because it wasn't running quite right, you would go see him. If you wanted just a slight weld, you would go and see him. If he could he would always help, no bike was ever too hard to get going. He was determined. And if he did not have the part he would make it, many items of kitchen utensils or tools would get incorporated into some bit he needed. Nothing was safe.”

Kerrie, 47, who has several tattoos which were inked by Simon, described him as a caring person who loved animals.

She said he loved getting out on his motorbike.

“He loved riding, he liked the adrenaline rush of it,” she said.

“You would always see him at rallies, he was the life and soul of the party and usually the last man standing. We will all remember him in our own special way but we will never forget him.”

Simon, who has a 13-year-old daughter, was born in Royal Wootton Bassett and went to St Bartholomew’s Primary School.

He developed a passion for motorbikes from a young age.

He worked as a dustbin van driver and loader for 15 years and also worked for 10 years as a welder fabricator for an engineering company.

Simon and Kerrie met at one of Kerrie’s bike nights in 2010.

At the time they were held at the Prince of Wales, but they are now held at The Old Nick.

“We just got on really well. We became friends and the rest is history,” she said.

Kerrie thanked Johnson and Daltrey Independent Funeral Service, in Royal Wootton Bassett, for donating the plaque.