Tributes were paid today to a devoted father and passionate biker who died doing what he loved most.

Motorcycle instructor Wayne Carpenter, nicknamed Zombie, died when his orange Kawasaki was involved in a collision with an articulated lorry in Walton Road, Thorpe-le-Soken.

Friends said today Mr Carpenter - who had lost a leg in a previous motorbike crash - was an extraordinary man who had a zest for life.

Richard Brooke, business partner and close friend, who was with Mr Carpenter when he died, said: "He touched so many people's lives.

"He believed in living every minute and was tremendously loyal to his friends.

"It is not just the loss of another biker, it is the loss of a remarkable person that has left a void as big as his personality was."

Mr Carpenter, 40, lived in Rebow Street, Colchester, with long-term partner Kirsten Mooring, who he planned to marry in Italy.

In his 30s he became a father to Luke, now eight. Mr Brooke said: "Luke idolised his dad but perhaps not as much as his dad idolised him.

"They were exceptionally close and talked five times a day."

Mr Carpenter's passion for bikes began at 12. He became a regular at bike festivals and meets, even setting up his own biking website, UK Bike Forum, and motorcycle club, the Phantom Bike Crew.

He qualified as an instructor after losing his left leg in a bike crash in Bristol ten years ago.

He was back riding within a year and worked for a Colchester firm and then for himself, before setting up UK Bike Training Limited, known as Orange Bike training, with Mr Brooke in the Hythe.

Mr Brooke said: "His passion for bikes was unbelievable.

"He rode every single day. He could ride anything, anywhere, any time but his attitude was always to be safe and responsible."

He was returning to Colchester from Clacton when the crash took place last Thursday at 12.30pm.

Since his death, hundreds of mourners have visited the scene to lay flowers and cards.

A funeral and memorial service is expected to take place next week in Colchester, followed by a bikers' ride-out.

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