The family of a motorcyclist killed in a collision involving seven vehicles on a rural road in Flintshire on Sunday have paid a heartfelt tribute to the ‘gentle giant’, who ‘made friends everywhere he went’.

Stephen Hill, 49, of Coronation Drive, Frodsham, died in the crash on the A5104 between Penyffordd and Pontblyddyn shortly before 1pm.

A statement released by his family revealed the father of three was an avid Liverpool fan and an accomplished lorry driver.

Mr Hill’s family said: “Steve was a proud father to Kirsty, who shared his birth date of May 15, Jonathan, who recently reached the age of 21 and for his birthday Steve took him to fly a helicopter, and to  Lauren. He was  the proud owner of Django the white German Shepherd who Steve often went on walks with. He was partner to Diane and they shared a love of music and went to many gigs. He was a brother to Julie, his  ‘big sis’, Peter and Jamie and loving son and best friend of Jimmy and Barbara.

"Steve was an outstanding HGV driver, instructor and assessor who accompanied his father Jimmy on trips from the age of six and used to say ‘I had the best teacher, my Dad’. He was a loving, affectionate and caring son to Barbara. Steve was also a fanatical Liverpool supporter and a keen motorcyclist.  He made friends everywhere he went and was always the life and soul of any gathering with his witty sense of humour and larger than life personality. He was a gentle giant who will be sorely missed by many."

Mr Hill’s friends took to his Facebook page to share their tributes to him.

Sarah Heller wrote:  “Completely in shock.. My  heart, thoughts and prayers go out to all our hill   family xx can not believe it. Such a lovely man xxx”

Ian Fisher added:  “Truly a sad day... Steve  touched the hearts of all he met. A gentle giant that will be missed by so many.  Thoughts go to his family and all that knew him. RIP  Steve.”

Police say the collision involved a Vauxhall Meriva,  three motorcycles heading  towards Pontblyddyn and three motorcycles travelling in the direction of  Penyffordd.

Another biker, Nigel Davies, 48, of Penyffordd, was also pronounced dead at the scene.

Five others – four bikers and the driver of the car –  were taken to hospital  with non life-threatening  injuries.

The road was shut for eight hours following the incident while officers carried out their investigations.

Police are appealing for anyone with information relating to the crash to call 101.