The motorcyclist killed on the M62 on Good Friday has been named as father-of-three Karl Chester.

The 36-year-old from Preston died following a collision with a blue Nissan Qashqai near Scammonden Reservoir, Rishworth Moor.

The keen biker was riding his silver-coloured Aprilia motorcycle close to the exit slip road at Junction 22, at 11.25am.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver of the car spoken to by officers.

The accident resulted in huge queues which lasted for several hours as drivers were diverted on to other routes.

Karl’s wife Karen, landlady of a popular piano bar in Preston, said: “He was absolutely loved by many. He has only left our sight, he will always ride strong in our hearts.”

In an emotional message to her husband, she added: “Sleep tight my love and ride free.”

There were so many tributes to Karl posted on social media, that she posted on Facebook: “I would like to thank you all for your kind words. Karl was our rock.

“I am asking for all with stories of Karl to please tell them. I would like to share them with his babies.

“It does not matter how long you have known him. We want to hear them. Also any photos you may have of him.

“My children are very strong but are still so young and I would like to show them how loved their dad was and still is by so many. To a lot this may not seem much but to us it would mean a lot.

“Together we will be strong. Together we will cope. All your words have not gone unread. I have read them all out to our children. And it really is helping them.

“Thank you all so very, very much.”