FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a charity worker who died riding the bicycle he loved.

Bachelor John Pover, 50, was killed instantly following a collision with a white Fiat van driven by a 45-year-old man.

The accident happened just outside the centre of Malpas at 5.30pm on Tuesday as Mr Pover neared his home further along Old Court Road.

He had spent the afternoon working at the Cancer Research shop in Whitchurch.

Mr Pover also did gardening for the Old Court Residential Home.

He lived with his mother in Shocklach until her death some years ago, and was an only child.

Mr Pover's uncle, George, who lives in Capenhurst, Wirral, said he used to see his nephew about twice a year.

'We actually saw him last week for his aunt Kathleen's funeral after she died of cancer,' he said.

'We're glad we had the chance to see him one more time.

'He was quite jolly and used to do odd jobs for us.'

Mr Pover's devastated friend Lesley Downes said: 'I'm totally shocked. We used to play together in Sunnyside where we grew up together.

'He was a good friend and we used to have a drink together at the sports and social club until a few years ago.

'He was such a good laugh, he would be laughing at everything.'

Mr Pover's neighbour, Des Morgan, said he was a private but pleasant man.

'He first lived in Old Court Road a few years back, then he moved around a lot and lived in Gresford, Marchwiel and Whitchurch.

'He came back here about two years ago and said he wished he never left.

'He kept himself to himself and I think he had more acquaintances than friends. But he was always happy and chatty and had a lovely sense of humour. We're devastated.'

Ann Hanbey, manager of the Cancer Research shop where Mr Pover worked on Tuesdays and Thursdays, said: 'He started here last June and we became very fond of him.

'Nothing was too much trouble and he would do anything for anybody.

'Everybody will really miss him.'

Anyone who witnessed the collision should contact PC Rupert Venables on 01244 613163.