British tourists have been warned to think carefully before hiring quad bikes or mopeds abroad on holiday, and to only do so as part of an organised trip.

The warning comes after a number of accidents involving British tourists overseas, one of which tragically took the life of 19- year- old Kieran Roche, from Swindon, in July

UK travel companies have reported 36 quad bike accidents and seven moped accidents in 2017. However, ABTA, the Association of British Travel Agents said the actual number is likely to be much higher.

Nikki White, ABTA’s director of destinations and sustainability, said: “Every year people suffer serious injuries after hiring mopeds or quad bikes while on holiday. Many have little experience of using these vehicles and are also unfamiliar with the local roads and driving standards.

“It’s so easy when you’re relaxing on holiday to do things you wouldn’t dream of doing back home; but you are putting yourself at risk of serious injury if you hire these vehicles, and on top of that, many travel insurance policies won’t cover such activities.”

Results of a YouGov survey carried out for ABTA found that one in 10 British holidaymakers who had been overseas in the last 12 months had hired a quad bike or moped. The proportion rose to one in seven among 18- to 24-year-olds.

In 2016, Lewis Evans, 18, from Thornbury near Bristol, suffered "devastating injuries" when he came off the bike in Greece. While a 23-year-old Northern Irish man had his leg amputated after a moped crash in Thailand in December 2017.

Three other British holidaymakers, all women, were also severely injured last month in quad bike accidents on another Greek island, Zante.

Kieran’s death on the Greek island of Crete last month has been met with an outpouring of grief, tributes, and donations to a crowdfunding page set up in his memory, to provide 'the send off he deserves'. Upwards of £16,700 from 407donations has been raised thus far.

Among those to share their condolences were Swindon Town Football Club, who donated £500 to the fund, and commented: “Everyone at STFC are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Kieran, a loyal Town fan. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very difficult and sad time.”

Donor, Sam Colbourne, said: “To the bloke who always put a smile on my face. Sleep well fella you will be missed.”

Another contributor, Hannah Allen wrote: "Rest in peace Kieran! You’re loved by so many! X"

To make a donation visit gofundme.com/the-send-of-he-deserves or search for Kieran Roche at the homepage.