A MOTORIST who died in a crash near Harrogate has been named as Paul Whitehead.

Mr Whitehead, 44, from Harrogate, was in a silver Mitsubishi Coupe which collided with a tree on the B6165 at Nidd at about 5.20pm on Friday, November 28.

In a statement, Mr Whitehead's family paid tribute to him, as a "kind and happy go lucky" person.

They said: "Paul was a keen fisherman and musician, playing the bass guitar in a number of local bands over the years. He enjoyed football and lately his passion was extreme mountain biking.

"He lived life to the full and never let an opportunity for adventure pass like climbing to the top of Calpe rock in Spain. He was kind and happy go lucky and was generous to a fault. He was popular amongst his group of friends and had an active social life. Paul was a deeply loved son to Rita and brother to Andrew and Dean. The loss of Paul and his zest for life will leave a huge gap in the hearts of his family and friends that can never be filled."

North Yorkshire Police are still appealing for witnesses to the collision contact them, including other motorists who were on the road at the time.

Traffic Constable Ken Riley said several motorists in "four or five vehicles" were still being sought.

He said: "Those drivers may not be aware of the significance of what they have seen.

"I would ask that anyone who was driving on the B6165 between Knaresborough and Ripley between 5pm and 5.15pm on Friday, November 28, who were either overtaken by a vehicle or saw a vehicle parked at the side of the road with its hazard lights on to contact me as a matter of urgency."

Anyone with information should phone 101 or email David.Minto@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk