THE heartbroken family of a motorcyclist who died in a crash have told how their lives have been "shattered" - and that Edgworth has "lost a legend".

Francis Diggle, 55, suffered fatal injuries in the crash on Friday morning, which happened in Blackburn.

Police were called just before 7am to reports of a collision between a Range Rover and a Triumph motorbike on Alan Shearer Way at the junction with Aqueduct Road and Bolton Road.

Mr Diggle died a short time later and police have launched an appeal for witnesses.

His family today paid an emotional tribute to the keen biker, who was born and lived in Edgworth.

In an emotional tribute his family said: “Francis lost his life on his new beloved ‘plodder’ he left behind his loving wife, Carol, and two daughters Hannah and Francesca, his beloved dog Charley and his devastated mum Maureen three brothers, nieces and nephews who say he was ‘ the uncle you knew you could go to for anything’.

"Francis has left behind a massive hole in our family.

“Francis grew up in Edgworth and was a very popular man throughout the village, family and friends were everything to Francis, as he was to them. "He was at his happiest when he was either riding his Triumph motorcycle or with a pint in the pub surrounded by his family and friends.

“Francis was always described as a grafter, although his CV was longer than the yellow pages, he was extremely loyal in every job he undertook.

“His sense of humour would light up any room and you could always rely on him to bring out the humour in any situation.

"His one liner’s, puns, s…t jokes and nicknames (as those he worked with him knew) were legendary.

“Our lives have been shattered, Edgworth has lost a legend and the world has lost a true gent."

Sgt Craig Booth, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Tac Ops, said: “My thoughts are with Mr Diggle’s loved ones at this sad time.

“I would appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision itself or the motorbike in the moments before the collision to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 295 of Friday, August 7th.