A FAMILY is trying to come to terms with a second motorcycling tragedy in two years.

Darren Clancy (24), of Wingate Drive, Whitefield, was riding a Husqvarna 610 motorbike along Radcliffe New Road, Radcliffe, on Saturday afternoon (May 8) when he died after colliding with a Vauxhall Nova.

Almost exactly two years ago, May 4, 2002, his father Gary (40) was killed when he lost control of his motorbike while trying to avoid a collision with a car in Garstang, near Preston.

Dozens of floral tributes have been laid at the scene of a crash, which happened close to the junction with Jackson Street at 5.10pm on Saturday.

Passers-by, including an off-duty firefighter, gave Darren first-aid until paramedics arrived and took him to Fairfield General Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver of the Nova, a 64-year-old woman from Radcliffe, was taken to hospital suffering from shock.

Darren, who worked as a joiner, had a 16-month-old daughter, Holly. He also leaves a 19-year-old sister, Danielle, as well as his partner, Vicky Ramsden (19).

Darren's mother, Mrs Gaynor Clancy, said: "He was a very popular lad with lots of friends. He worked as a joiner for a local firm and had a keen interest in motorbikes.

"Darren had just picked up his motorbike in order to sell it.

"He was a lovely lad with everything to live for.

An inquest is expected to open in the next few days and be adjourned pending further accident and medical investigations.

Witnesses are asked to call 856 8072.