Motorcyclist killed in Milnrow crash

A 51-year-old "gentle giant" has died in a collision with a car in Greater Manchester.

Michael Hopson's Yamaha bike collided with a Volkswagen Polo at 0645 BST at the junction of Harbour Lane and Elizabethan Way in Milnrow, Rochdale.

He was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital and pronounced dead a short time later.

His wife, Lorraine, paid tribute and said: "Mike was a loving father and took care of everyone. He was a big gentle giant."

The car driver was not injured but stopped at the scene, a police spokesman said.

Mr Hopson's two daughters said: "He was the one who looked after us all. He was the nicest person you could ever meet."

Mr Hopson, a lorry driver, who had a passion for rock music and motorbikes, also leaves behind a mother, brother and two sisters.