A GRANDFATHER has died in a motorbike smash in Farnworth.

Former fork lift truck driver Mark Ramsden died after losing control of his Suzuki 1200 Bandit in King Street on Sunday.

Last night, his devastated step-children paid tribute to a “genuine family man” — and said the 51-year-old was a responsible biker who never sped.

Police said he mounted the pavement and collided with a gate and a wall shortly after passing the junction with Barncroft Road at about 4.30pm on Sunday.

A nurse who was driving along King Street after finishing a shift at Royal Bolton Hospital stopped and gave first aid to Mr Ramsden — but he died at the scene.

His step-son Michael Briggs, aged 25 said: “I had just come back from being away in Wales on Sunday when my mum told me what had happened to Mark — it didn’t seem real.

“Mark was a father-figure to me. He had help to raise me since I was nine and he was just a really nice. A really genuine guy — a good family man.

“He met my mum when they were both working at the hospital. I loved him because of how he treated my mum and because he made her happy.

“He really loved his motorbike but he was a very responsible rider. He hated it when he heard people speeding.

“He was a big fan of fishing and I’ve got really good memories of going fishing with him in Ireland.”

Mr Briggs said he wanted to thank the nurse who tried to help his step-dad after the crash.

He said: “There aren’t enough people like her in the world.”

Mr Ramsden’s step-daughter Donna Sharples, aged 31, said he was also a loving grandfather to her two children.

She added: “They loved him to bits and he will be sorely missed. He was a lot of fun and they looked forward to seeing him every week.”

After the crash, residents in King Street tried to help by directing traffic away from the scene and providing blankets for the biker.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “When we heard the noise, we ran out and the man was lying on his back. I didn't think he was going to make it.

"I couldn't get to sleep until after 4am last night. I just couldn't help thinking about the man and his family, my heart goes out to them.

"He definitely wasn't speeding, but it is a dangerous corner and there have been accidents here in the past."

Mr Ramsden had separated from his step-children’s mother Christine several years ago.

At the time of his death he had been living with his current partner in Farnworth.

It is the second motorbike-related death in Farnworth in recent months after 42-year-old Michael Mok was killed after he lost control of his Suzuki motorbike in Frederick Street in July.

Police are now investigating the incident and have asked for witnesses to come forward.

Sgt Mark Thomas from GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of this man as they try to come to terms with their loss.

"We are investigating the circumstances leading up to this collision and are appealing for anyone who witnessed or heard the collision, to call us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 0161 856 4741.