Tributes to tragic TT motorcyclist Mat Evans

Shropshire motorcyclist Mat Evans was killed in a crash on the Isle of Man was today described as a "super person" by his family.

Paying tribute to the father-of-one, of The Grove, Minsterley, near Shrewsbury, his uncle and aunt Terry and Denise Evans said the entire village had been stunned by his death.

They said firefighter Mat, who leaves an 11-year-old daughter, was a man who lived "life to the full" and was much loved by his family and many friends.

The tragedy happened the day before the opening motorcycle races of the famous Isle of Man TT.

Mat, 29, a keen motorsport enthusiast, was killed in a crash at the Mountain Box at about 8am on Friday.

He was riding a blue, red and white coloured Honda Fireblade. Part of the race circuit was closed for six hours.

Mr Evans, who runs the Plough Garage in Pontesbury where Mat worked as a mechanic until fulfilling his dream of becoming a fireman, said: "He lived life to the full and there was no second gear with him it was always in first.

"He was well liked by everyone. He was a lovely character and a super person. The whole village is stunned."

Mrs Evans said Mat attended junior school in Pontesbury before going to the Mary Webb School and later university.

Mr Paul Raymond, Chief Fire officer at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We are still in shock and we are trying to support his Green Watch team in Shrewsbury and his family through this difficult time."

Mat leaves his mother Sue and brother Dominic, father Derek and step-mum Sarah, sisters Katie and Becky and daughter Molly.

By Russell Roberts and Sam Pinnington