TRIBUTES have been paid to a 27-year-old motorcycle enthusiast who died after colliding with a stationary van.

Jon David Glover, of Bolton Road West, Ramsbottom, was riding his Suzuki 750cc when he crashed into the three-and-a-half ton vehicle.

Jon had recently set up home in the town with his girlfriend of three years, Joanne Stevenson (22).

The couple, who met when computer service engineer Jon visited her workplace to fix a printer, had recently been on an adventure holiday in New Zealand and were planning to marry.

Joanne said: "We were just so perfect together. We were so happy -- he was my soul. It is comforting to think that he died at such a happy time in his life and doing something he loved."

The Wednesday before he was killed in Nelson --on June 12 -- the couple spent the evening with his mother, Jackie, and younger brother, Ryan.

Jackie (47) said: "There was lots of fun and lots of laughter that night. We had a really nice time and I'm so grateful for that. We also had our picture taken together."

Jon, who grew up in Burnley, got his love of bikes from his father, David, who died when Jon was 16.

Jackie said: "I always told him to stay safe and he was very careful on the roads so I never thought anything like this would happen.

"But the problem with motorbikes is that it doesn't matter how experienced the rider is, there are always dangers that are out of your control."

Jackie said Jon was very adventurous and had tried bungee jumping and paragliding, as well as doing a parachute jump for charity. He also loved music and played the guitar.

Friend Howard Heyhirst (32) said: "Nobody had a bad word to say about Jon. His laugh was infectious and really distinctive. I used to call him "the hyena" for the way he laughed.

"He was a kind and warm-hearted young man, who despite being the life and soul of any party, had an old head on young shoulders and wouldn't have been out of place if he was sitting with a group of pensioners. We have all lost a true friend."

Another pal, Lee Washington (32), has now vowed to sell his bike. He said: "To know that Jon was such a competent rider, it brings home the danger involved in riding. It could have happened to any of us which is why I am selling my bike, not only for personal safety but for the peace of mind for my wife, Linda, and my three young children."

Jon's funeral was held yesterday (Monday) at Burnley Crematorium.