THE family of a 43-year-old father killed when his high-speed motorbike was in collision with a horsebox have described of how much they will miss him.

THE family of a 43-year-old father killed when his high-speed motorbike was in collision with a horsebox have described of how much they will miss him.

Keith Smith, of Great Bardfield, near Braintree, died when his Kawasaki KK 1100 motorbike was in collision with a horsebox in Bell Lane not far from his home just before 2pm on Saturday.

In a statement issued by Essex Police yesterday, his family described the hard-working family man.

Mr Smith, the son of Maisie and Dick, married Penny on St Valentine's Day in 1986 taking on two children from her previous marriage and six months later their daughter Gemma was born.

His family said: "He would do anything for anyone, putting up shelves, fixing cars or just putting up a picture hook. He would always put family first.

"He loved his motorbike and had spent the Thursday evening before his death polishing it. He wasn't a serious biker, it was just a hobby riding now and again on a nice day.

They added: "He only used his bike on that day because the exhaust on his car had gone. He died doing what he loved and we all know how very much he loved us and he knew how very much we loved him.

"There will always be a big part of our lives missing. He will be sorely missed always."

An Essex Police spokesman said that Mr Smith's family had arranged tissue donation with the National Tissues Service.

The driver of the horsebox, who was a 41-year-old woman from Wethersfield, was not hurt.

Anyone who may have seen the vehicles early on Saturday afternoon or who may have witnessed the accident is asked to call Essex Police on 01245 491491.