New Ludlow father's crash tragedy

Tributes were today paid to a naval officer from Ludlow who died in a motorcycle crash on the south Shropshire border just weeks after his daughter was born.

Christopher Jones, of St Margaret Road, , was killed on Sunday while riding a Honda motorbike on the A49 at Ashwood Farm, near Leominster.

The 37 year old, who was a petty officer in the Royal Navy, has been described by friends as the life and soul of any party.

Mr Jones's wife Kerry and newborn daughter Scarlet are being supported by officials from the Royal Navy.

Julian Wild, chairman of the South Shropshire Motorcycle Club, said Mr Jones grew up in Carmarthenshire and came out on club rides when he was on leave. He said: "Chris, who was known as Welsh Chris at the club, was a popular guy.

"He was very well liked at the club and full of life. He was very unassuming and my wife described him as the club's Rod Gilbert.

"You could not wish to meet a nicer guy and he was the life and soul of any party."

An investigation into the crash has been launched by West Mercia Police, and appeals have been made and anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact officers in Hereford on 0300 333 3000."

A message posted on the South Shropshire Motorcycle Club website says: "We as a club would like to pass on our sincere sympathies to his wife Kerry and their newborn baby Scarlet. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him."