TRIBUTES have been paid to a North Yorkshire solicitor who died in a road accident at the weekend.

John Ridley, from Wombleton, died when his motorbike was involved in a collision with a car on the B1257 Malton to Helmsley road outside Hovingham, on Saturday.

Mr Ridley, who was married to former town councillor Sheila Ridley, had recently moved from Kirkbymoorside, where he and his wife were heavily involved in the community.

Former Ryedale District Councillor Gary Hobbs, who worked closely with the couple on many issue in Kirkbymoorside, said the whole town was stunned by Mr Ridley's death.

"There's a great sense of shock around the town and area," he said.

"John and Sheila are very well known and respected for the contribution they made to the local community.

"It's devastating news."

A funeral service will take place at Scarborough Crematorium on Thursday, at 1.20pm.

Updated: 10:43 Tuesday, July 15, 2003