Tribute has been paid to a motorcyclist who died after a head-on crash with a Land Rover Defender near Selside on Thursday.

Forty-two-year-old Sean Mullaney, from Wigan, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident on the B6479 Settle to Ribblehead road.

“Sean will be greatly missed by all his family, friends and everyone who knew him,” said a statement from his family.

“He was a larger than life character, being the one who always brought everyone together. He played such a big part of so many people’s lives.”

The crash occurred near to the Station Inn junction at 7.45pm.

Mr Mullaney was riding his black Kawaski motorcycle towards Ribblehead when it was in collision with the blue Defender which was heading in the opposite direction. The Defender driver was not hurt.

The road was closed for about five hours following the collision.

Now the police want to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash or was in the area at the time and saw the manner of driving of either vehicle prior to the incident.

Anyone who can help should contact Traffic Sergeant John Clayton on 0845 6060 247 quoting reference number 12100094437.