THE heartbroken family of a cyclist who sustained fatal injuries in a crash have led the tributes to him.

Stephen White died at the age of 56 after he was involved in a collision with a van on Saturday in Todmorden.

He was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries.

A 35-year-old man from the Manchester area has been arrested by police on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and being over the prescribed limit.

He has been released under investigation.

In a statement issued through the police, the family said: “Stephen was a much loved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend to so many and will be terribly missed by all that knew him.”

Tributes have poured in for the well-known keen runner — joining local clubs — and cyclist, who enjoyed training to keep fit and healthy.

Mr White lived with his wife Carol in Edgworth. Both were popular members of Big G’s Gym in the village.

Owner Gordon Watson said: “He was a fantastic and lovely person to be around. I opened the gym five years and ago and he has been a member for around four years.

“He had done fell runs and was fit and healthy. He would say hello to and always supportive, welcoming new members.

“We are naming his trademark burpees tuck jump after him.

“He was a very well liked person in the gym.”

Mr Watson said that his death had left members shocked and their thoughts and love were with his family. Under current measures, there are restrictions on attending funerals.

So instead staff and gym members and those who knew him are expected to stand on the road at a safe social distance from each other to pay their respects as the funeral cortege goes past.

Others took to social media to pay tribute to Mr White One wrote: “He was a lovely man” and another posted, “absolutely heartbreaking- he was a lovely kind man”.

One said: “Feel so sad for his family, a genuine chap.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash which happened at the junction with Church Road at 10.30am to come forward.