THE family of a Ryedale man killed in a road accident have spoken of their devastation.

Richard Aconley, of Cropton, suffered fatal injuries in the crash, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning between Kirkbymoorside and Pickering.

Robert Aconley, a close family member, said everyone who knew 22-year-old Richard was in shock.

"He was a well-liked lad and he loved life. We are totally devastated," he said.

"He took life as it came. He was a great sportsman but very modest about his achievements."

Richard, who had an identical twin brother, also called Robert, was a keen cricketer and darts player.

"He was a member of Cropton Cricket Club and last season won the Ryedale Beckett League Bowling Award," said Mr Aconley.

"One of his most notable achievements was notching up 111 not out in a match against Gillamoor last season.

"Even though it was a tremendous achievement, he never boasted about it.

"He also played cricket for the Pickering second team in the York Senior League."

A regular at the New Inn at Cropton, Richard and his twin brother were members of the darts team there.

"Apart from when they were at work, he and his twin were never apart for very long," said Mr Aconley.

"They recently reached three semi-finals in the darts pairs in local leagues. He loved to socialise, had lots of friends and lived life to the full."

Richard was one of six children born to dad, Robert, and mum, Christine, and lived at East Cawthorne Farm, in Cropton.

After leaving Lady Lumley's School, in Pickering, he trained and qualified as a car mechanic and worked at Cropton Garage.

"We won't be surprised if there are a couple of hundred people at his funeral to pay their respects," said Mr Aconley.

"The cricket club and darts team intend on carrying his coffin."

The funeral will take place at St Gregory's Church, in Cropton, on Friday.

Updated: 11:03 Wednesday, March 06, 2002