A POPULAR Herefordshire man has died while riding his motorbike in Wales.

Chris Collins, from Ross-on-Wye, died between Brecon and Builth Wells last Saturday morning.

The 47-year-old was riding a Suzuki motorbike at 11.30am when it was in collision with a Mercedes rigid tipper lorry on the B4520. A Dyfed-Powys spokesperson confirmed the lorry driver did not sustain any injuries.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Collins, who was married and had two teenage daughters.

Antony Lowther, from A J Lowther & Son Ltd, said Mr Collins had been a "dedicated and popular" employee during his 16 years as a works manager with the Whitchurch industrial design and building company.

"Chris played a major part and made a huge contribution in the company's success," he said.

"He was so well-liked by everyone and we have had customers phoning up all week to say how much they will miss him.

"I don't think there will be a church big enough in Ross for his funeral."

Mr Lowther said his colleague was a dedicated family man who took great pride in having his pictures of his daughters on his work desk.

And he added: "Everyone at Lowthers was devastated when we heard the news, but we are just grateful that we got the chance to know such a great bloke."

Mr Collins' funeral will take place at St Mary's Church, Ross-on-Wye, at 1.30pm on Thursday, November 2.

Dyfed-Powys Police are investigating the accident and have asked witnesses to call Brecon Police on 0845 330 2000.