A MOTORCYCLIST who died when his bike left the road near Selby has been named.

Martin Featherstone Firth, 33, of Beal, near Selby, was killed when he lost control of his Suzuki machine on the A162, near Sherburn-in-Elmet.

He is thought to have been travelling with a group of bikers before the crash, at 5pm on Sunday.

Mr Firth is thought to have sometimes visited the Squires Caf, near South Milford, a well-known meeting place for local bikers.

Police are asking for witnesses who saw a group of about five motorcyclists travelling from Scarborough to Escrick and Cawood, before joining the A162, to come forward.

It is thought the victim was travelling towards Brotherton on a stretch of the bypass just south of the B1222 before he came off the road and collided with trees.

Sgt Nigel Atkinson, of North Yorkshire Police, said it was not known if any other vehicles had been involved in the crash.

An inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday.

York Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash to contact them on 0845 6060247.