A family have paid tribute to a "happy, caring man" who died in a motorbike crash.

Jim Barnes, 70, was described by his family as having an "infectious laugh" and said they could not have asked for a better father and grandfather.

He was out riding his motorbike on Friday, September 6 when the crash happened.

In a tribute, the family said: “It is with great regret that we need to announce that our Dad, Jim Barnes, sadly passed away on Friday 6th September in a motorbike accident.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better Dad/Grandad who was always there for us and will be greatly missed, probably more than he realised.

“Jim was brought up in St Helens and attended Cowley School. He was well known around the Blackpool area where he attended Poulton College and spent most of his adult life with his beloved wife Lynn who sadly passed away in 2009.

“He was a serving police officer for 30 years, predominantly on traffic and in and around the Fylde coast. He was a Cub Scout leader and a dedicated Freemason. He put considerable efforts into helping people and raising money for charity and was always on hand if needed.

“Jim will be remembered as a happy, caring man with an infectious laugh and great sense of humour who always had a funny story to share.

“His love of trains, motorbikes, cars and time with his family was well known and he loved just driving/riding all his life.

“He is survived by his two children, Chris and Jane and one granddaughter, all of whom he loved dearly.”

Jim, from Thornton Cleveleys, died following the crash on Hall Lane, Lathom.

An investigation into the collision is ongoing and officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses and CCTV/dashcam footage.

If you can help, contact 101 quoting log 0337 of September 6, 2024, or email SCIU@lancashire.police.uk.