THE LOSS of popular dad-of-five Simon Brinkley has been felt keenly by his friends who described the 29-year-old as a 'great guy with a huge heart'.

Simon had been riding his motorcycle along Wharf Road on Thursday afternoon when he collided with a van, and despite the best efforts of paramedics, he died at the scene.

Today, some of Simon's many friends said he would never be forgotten after his promising life was cut short.

"Simon was much loved and respected and will be missed daily," said Wayne Russell. "He will never be forgotten as my best friend and comrade in arms. He will always be in our hearts forever. You will always be a part of me. I’ll make you proud as I was of you."

Simon was one of four children, and leaves behind his sisters Hayley, Lauren and brother Damian. He also leaves behind grandparents Hazel and Leslie, parents Debbie and Barrie, and stepdad Dave.

But he touched many more lives, with childhood friend Marc Russell, aka Chopper, saying: "Simon wasn’t just my friend, for 22 years he was my second brother.

"He was always smiling and lit up the room when he was around. He touched so many peoples lives and will never be forgotten. He wanted his black belt and given the chance he would have done it. We are completely devastated by his loss. Love you player."

Martial artist Simon, lovingly nicknamed 'Bruce Lee Junior', had been training with the Red Dragon Club in Malmesbury, and recently won his blue belt.

"Simon was a great guy with a huge heart, his charisma was beyond epic," said Jonny Simpson, who trained with him.

"He was very helpful with me and others with martial arts and his passion and determination for Jun Fan was awesome. He would always make me laugh and we would have a lot of banter about football."

Car Davis added: "I will miss you my bro, you have been my friend all my life. We have been through so much together, my life will never be the same without you."

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision which took Simon's life.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: "Police are investigating a fatal road traffic collision which occurred on the B4005, Wharf Road in Wroughton at 2.23pm on Thursday, involving a motorcycle and a van.

"The rider of the motorcycle, a 29-year-old man from the Swindon area was in collision with a van, being driven by a male in his 60s from the Wroughton area.

"The rider of the motorcycle was worked on by the emergency services, but was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the van was uninjured.

"The road was closed for several hours while police conducted their investigations. Police are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to make contact with the officer in the case, PC 1707 Williams."

Anyone with information should call Wiltshire Police on non-emergency number 101, or alternatively Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.