Tributes paid to rider, 28

Family and friends of a former Shropshire motorcyclist killed in a head-on crash today paid tribute to their "ray of light".

Oliver Secrett died when his Honda CBR motorbike was in collision with a car on the B4176 outside Himley Hall, near Dudley, on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Secrett, 28, was originally from Church Stretton but lived in Oldbury in the West Midlands.

His sister Rebecca paid tribute to her brother, who was visiting his parents in Cardington Moor, near Cardington, when the crash happened at about 3.30pm.

She said: "When we were younger Ollie and I were great sparring partners but always knew we loved each other.

"We had many fun times together, experienced many great things and knew the spark to light the other's eyes with laughter.

"I am so grateful for sharing this world with him and all he taught me and long may he be celebrated. I miss my bro' and will learn to live life without him but know he is always near."

Close friend Martin Rabbitte, who grew up in Woore near Market Drayton and knew Mr Secrett for more than a decade, said he was "devastated" at his friend's death.

"No matter how bad things seemed or how bad a day you were having he was able to lift your spirits," he added.

"He was like a ray of light and will be greatly missed by all of his friends and family."

Mr Secrett's family moved to Shropshire when he was five and lived in Bayston Hill for two years before moving to Church Stretton where he lived for much of the next 20 years.

He went to Church Stretton School, Bedstone College and Radbrook College before going to Stafford University, where he studied Information Technology.

He had lived in Oldbury for about two-and-a-half years where he was working for Severn Trent Water as a support technician.

Mr Secrett's funeral will take place at St James Church, Cardington, at 1pm on Thursday, October 4.

Family flowers only but donations to charity would be appreciated.

Inquiries can also be made to A S Morris and Son of Church Stretton on 01694 722876.

Police are appealing for witnesses to Sunday's crash.

By John Kirk