By Carmelo Garcia

FRIENDS have paid tribute to a much loved 18-year-old Newent biker who died following a collision on Monday evening.

The motorcyclist, named locally as Shaun Payne, was travelling along the B4215 at Rudford when his Yamaha 125 motorcycle was in collision with a blue Fiat Punto at around 5.10pm on October 24.

Despite the best efforts of members of the public, paramedics and air ambulance staff, the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.

The car driver, a 21-year-old woman from Plymouth, was badly shaken but otherwise uninjured.

Shaun was described as a lovely, polite and thoughtful lad.

Friends took to social media to express their sorrow.

Lauren Rimmer said: “Rest in peace Shaun. You were such a lovely, kind person with a great heart.

“We had some good times years ago around Newent, always made me laugh and got me out of trouble.

“They always take the good ones first.

“Always in our hearts Shaun.”

George Murdock said: “Shaun Payne, you will be missed by everyone.

“Will always remember all the sick times we had.

“Love you bro, sleep well.”

Stevie Beard said: “Shaun you were always such a polite caring and thoughtful lad who spent time at ours chilling with your mates.

“You and max always looked out for my boy in primary school. You will be missed by everyone who knew you for that lovely smile.

“Now you’re flying high with the angels.

“A young life taken to soon thoughts are with your mum and dad and Max.”

Becky Wilks said she was heartbroken by the news but said Shaun would forever be in everyone’s hearts.

Town Councillor Collin Thomas said his thoughts were with Shaun’s family at this tragic time.

He added: “The B4215 can be often a difficult road to drive along especially at night.”

Gloucestershire Police are urging any witnesses who feel that they have relevant information and have not yet spoken to officers, to please call us them on 101, quoting incident number 386 of October 24.