A PEDAL cyclist killed in a collision with a van near Selby was today identified as Mark Garland.

The 32-year-old security guard was cycling home from work at English Village Salads, in Camblesforth, when the accident happened at about 6.30am on Saturday.

Mr Garland's pushbike was in collision with a white Mercedes Sprinter van, which police said was a newspaper delivery vehicle.

Traffic Sergeant Nigel Atkinson said it was dark and the roads were wet when the collision occurred on the A1041 Bawtry Road under the old railway bridge about a quarter of a mile from the Brayton turn-off.

Mr Garland, a former chef who had worked at English Village Salads since last November, lived in St Leonard's Avenue, Osgodby, near Selby. He leaves a widow, Jane.

He worked for Constant Security, whose managing director Michael Lee today paid tribute to a "model employee".

Mr Lee said: "It's absolutely tragic. Mark was a smashing bloke - a very hard worker, totally reliable and a real asset to the company." Police said the driver of the Mercedes van, which ended up on its side, was slightly injured.

A police spokeswoman said a passing motorist had phoned police on his mobile phone to say the pedal cyclist was unconscious. A doctor was quickly on the scene, where he pronounced Mr Garland dead. The road is part of what is known locally as the "Cammy Straight" between Camblesforth and Selby.

Sergeant Atkinson today appealed for anyone who saw Mr Garland cycling along the A1041 between 6am and 6.30am on Saturday to contact Selby police immediately on 01757 702596.

Updated: 14:31 Monday, October 08, 2001