A HEARTBROKEN wife has paid tribute to her husband after he was thrown off his motorbike and killed on a rural Nantwich road last week.

Father-of-three James Locker suffered fatal injuries when he lost control of his vehicle and became entangled in barbed wire on the A49 Whitchurch Road in Spurstow last Thursday night.

Police believe Mr Locker fell into a ditch after he failed to negotiate a bend near Panama Hatty's Restaurant at around 10pm.

On Tuesday, wife Julie said the 42-year-old's death had left a huge void in their family life.

She said: "Jimmy was a loving husband and devoted father. He was a hard working family man who had a passion for his motorbike.

"He was a private man who liked a practical joke and made our family life a real joy.

"His loss has had a devastating effect and left a huge void in our family which will be difficult to come to terms with."

Mrs Locker also expressed thanks to the family and friends who have supported her and the couple's three teenage daughters since the incident.

Cheshire Fire Service confirmed that one engine attended the scene as firefighters helped police and paramedics free Mr Locker from the barbed wire.

A spokesman for North-West Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 10.02pm to a motorbike traffic accident.

"The call told us that the patient wasn't breathing or conscious. The patient was in the bottom of a deep ditch."

Mr Locker's death comes just a week after police announced a zero-tolerance crackdown on motorcyclists speeding along Nantwich's most hazardous rural roads, including the A49.

Police patrols are currently targeting the A534, A51 and A49 in a bid to cut the number of fatal and serious injury accidents involving motorbikes.

Before Mr Locker's death, five motorcyclists had been killed and a further 24 seriously injured in collisions on the roads over the past three years.

Force incident manager Mike McBride said: "A 42-year-old male was riding a motorcycle in the direction of Tarporley when he lost control and received fatal injuries.

"Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact Sgt Steve Griffiths at Crewe SIU."

Witnesses can contact Sgt Griffiths on 01244 614395.