THE family of a cyclist who died after falling from his bike have paid tribute to him.

83-year-old Roger Hamer was cycling along Bury New Road heading towards the direction of Ramsbottom, when he fell from his bike, knocking his head on March 5.

Mr Hamer was taken to hospital with a serious head injury and sadly died on April 2.

Roger’s son and daughter, Ruth and Paul, have paid the following tribute to him: “Our dad was devoted to his family and thoroughly enjoyed life – he was an amazing dad and also a brilliant grandad, who always went out of his way to help his grandchildren achieve their ambitions and goals.

“Dad lived in Ramsbottom from being a young child and was very well known to the local community. He had a heart of gold and would help anyone and he was known for being hard working throughout his life.

“Even at the age of 83, he was still very fit and active and enjoyed walking, climbing and being in his garden, but his ultimate passion was to cycle.

“He had loved to cycle since he was a child and spent hours recycling bikes, as well as cycling for miles including daily bike trips to Ramsbottom.

“Every day, he would bake for his family and he loved to share his baking with us and with others in the local community.

“We are devastated by what has happened and we all miss him dearly.”

Sergeant Lee Westhead from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Our thoughts are with Roger’s family at this distressing time and we are doing all we can to establish for them the exact circumstances surrounding the incident that led to his death.”