A KEEN motorcyclist who died after an horrific accident in North Yorkshire has been described as "the best dad you could ask for".

Peter Sharp, 51, of Partridge Close, Bridlington, became the 23rd biker to be killed in North Yorkshire this year when his Suzuki Burgman 650 collided with a coach on the B1257 Malton to Helmsley road on August 24.

His wife of 27 years, Susan, 51, was riding pillion and was injured in the crash.

She had the heartbreaking task of turning off her husband's ventilator when it became clear that he could not recover from his devastating head injuries.

Mr Sharp died in James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, on Friday, five days after the collision. He left a daughter, Linsey Rose, 19.

Mrs Sharp said: "He was an outgoing sort of chap, he loved helping people when he could and he was a fabulous dad. He worked hard for us - he was just a lovely man."

Leeds-born Mr Sharp was previously a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Navy and the couple lived in various places, including Gibraltar.

He left the Navy in 1981 and the couple decided to settle in Bridlington and start a family.

Mr Sharp later worked on heating systems in construction projects, also ensuring health and safety conditions were met.

Mrs Sharp said: "He liked astronomy. We've got a telescope and we had some happy times at two or three o'clock in the morning, looking at the stars, with him telling me what they were. He was romantic in that way.

"We had a lot of motorcycling friends and we used to go out with them for trips, and we always used to end up in Sherburn-in-Elmet. Peter had been riding for 24 years, he loved bikes.

"Peter used to help people, and he was always there for me and Linsey."

Linsey said: "He was a great dad, he was always there when I needed him, whatever I did.

"He always tried to make me do the best I could in my life. He was an all-round good sort of dad -the best dad you could ask for."

A funeral service will take place at 2pm on Monday, September 15, at Octon Crematorium, near Sledmere. Susan and Linsey then plan to take a boat trip to scatter Peter's ashes at sea.

Updated: 11:06 Wednesday, September 03, 2003