A RUNNING club has paid tribute to “an extremely popular” member of their group who sustained fatal injuries in a crash during a cycle ride.

Stephen White died at the age of 56 after he was involved in a collision with a van on May 9 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.

Mr White, from Edgworth, was a member of The Holcombe Harriers and was currently training for Ironman.

In a statement the club said: “Steve was an extremely popular member of Holcombe Harriers. He always had a smile on his face and had a kind word for everybody.

“He was a man who enjoyed the camaraderie of his clubmates and shared his generous personality and sense of humour,” the statement said.

It added: “He was involved in all aspects of club life, enjoyed racing on and off the fell and in triathlon. He was determined to succeed in all his athletic endeavours and was presently training for Ironman.

“All members of the Harriers are deeply saddened by his untimely loss, he will be greatly missed.”

In a statement, his 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.”

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

Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or may have dashcam footage.