TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular village postman who died in a motorcycle accident.

The man, named locally as 52-year-old Rob Cook, was killed when his red Kawasaki Z550 motorbike was in collision with a car along the A352 in Winfrith Newburgh on Wednesday.

People who knew Mr Cook have given heartfelt tributes to the ‘happy’, ‘cheerful’ family man who was a ‘big presence’ in the community.

Lizzie Harris, who works at the Countryman Inn with Rob’s wife Jo, said: “Rob and Jo were soulmates as well as husband and wife and it is so sad. I really feel for Jo, it was horrible.

"The whole community is going to miss Rob, greatly. We’re like a family here at the Countryman and we are all feeling it here. We’re all thinking of Jo and the family.”

Lizzie’s husband Fred Harris said: “Rob was a hell of a character and he had a spicy sense of humour and he won’t be forgotten.

“It was just such a shock and I think it’s every couple’s nightmare, to both go off to work and then you come home again and your other half doesn’t.

“I’ve been thinking of his wife and family every moment today.”

Mechanic Stephen Guy, who works at the Rainbow Garage and did the MOT services on Rob’s motorcycle, said: “He was a local postman for a really long time and everyone knew him. I actually went to school with him and I did the MOTs for his and his wife’s motorbikes.

“He was a really nice guy and a real motorbike enthusiast.

“He was a big part of the community and he always took the time to talk to everyone. I think there will be a lot of people at the funeral, he will certainly be missed. I send my condolences to his family." 

Natasha Brown, manager of the Cutting Crew hair salon in Wool, said: “He was always happy and laughing and always full of jokes. He was genuinely a really nice guy. He had a really big presence in the community and the whole village will miss him.

“All of our thoughts are with him family at this very sad time.”

Police are appealing to witnesses to the crash, which happened at the Water Lane junction at around 3pm on Wednesday, to come forward.

They would particularly like to speak to the driver of a small blue car that turned left onto Water Lane at the time of the crash.

The driver is not wanted for any offences but may have information that will help with the investigation. Witnesses are asked to contact PC Dave Stroud on 101 as soon as possible.