TRIBUTES have been paid to a motorcyclist who was killed in a collision with a car on Friday.

Paul Ella, from Rillington, was a keen motorbike enthusiast who built his own bikes and loved travelling.

The 53-year-old had worked at Karro – Malton bacon factory – as an engineer for more than 30 years.

The youngest of seven, his older sister, Moira, said: “He was such an interesting person who loved adventure.

This is a terrible loss.”

Paul was riding his Ducatti Panigale east on the B1253 at 2.46pm on Friday when he was involved in a collision with a Toyota Avensis at the Butterwick/Langtoft crossroads.

Paul’s partner of 26 years, Jackie Leogue, said he had been passionate about motorbikes from an early age.

“He was the most genuine person you could meet – passionate and knowledgeable – he could talk to anyone and was very well-known,” she said.

Jackie said Paul was also interested in the Second World War and the role his father, Archie, played in the conflict.

“He was very passionate about everything to do with the war and it is ironic he was taken from us on D-Day, but he wouldn’t have wanted to go any other way,” she said. “The support I’ve had has been tremendous, with messages and cards from friends, family and work colleagues who knew Paul.”

Paul’s funeral service will be held at St John the Evangelist Church, in Welburn, on Wednesday, at 2pm.

* A 69-year-old man who was involved in the collision and was arrested shortly after has been released on bail as inquiries continue. Police are appealing for witnesses to phone 101.