THE daughter of a biker who was killed in a hit-and-run accident has thanked the people who stopped to help her father.

Police have launched an investigation to track down the rider of a large red sports bike who collided with Ralph Snowdon, 67, on the B1257 Helmsley to Stokesley road on Saturday afternoon, then rode off.

But Ralph's daughter Mandy said despite her anguish about the mystery driver, she was eternally grateful to a car full of people who stopped to help her dad and the two riders with him, one of whom was also hurt in a separate incident.

She also praised North Yorkshire Police for their dedication in trying to find the motorcyclist.

"What happened to my dad is extremely unusual in the biking community," said Mandy. "Bikers generally always stop to help, whether it is because they see an accident or just someone with a flat tyre.

"The people who stopped to help him and the other riders were lovely people.

"I also want to thank the police who have been fantastic. They have printed out flyers and have spoken to other bikers to see if anyone knows anything."

Ralph, of Riccall, was well-known for founding Snowlandia Boarding Kennels at Moreby, near Naburn.

He had ridden bikes most of his life and often rode with Mandy or granddaughter Danielle, 12, on the back.

"My dad was a careful, sensible driver who knew the rules of the road and stuck to them," said Mandy.

"If he wasn't then I would never have let Danielle ride on the back.

"He was a true Yorkshireman; a real character, hardworking, and although he always spoke his mind, he always had a joke to tell.

"I miss him so much and just hope someone has a conscience and tells the police anything they know because it wasn't dad's time. He had a lot of living left to do."

Ralph's granddaughter, Danielle Snowdon-Russell, said "My granddad was a kind, generous and loving man with a tonne of pride and a billion morals. He spent half his life on his motorbike and in the Squires Milk Bar in Sherburn-in-Elmet and he would do anything for his family and friends."

After Ralph's death, Mandy, Danielle and other family members sat on the war memorial in Helmsley and raised an ice-cream in his memory.

Mandy said: "Somebody out there must notice the red sports bike suddenly not being used, or maybe a mechanic has been asked to repair a damaged bike.

"Our roads are a dangerous enough place for all motorists. We don't need people who are going to flout the rules of the road and take away peoples' lives without being accountable."

Updated: 10:22 Wednesday, June 01, 2005