'Funny and caring' ex-police biker killed in crash

A former police officer who was killed in a motorbike crash was a "happy, caring man with an infectious laugh", his family have said.

Jim Barnes' motorbike collided with a car on Hall Lane, Ormskirk, Lancashire, on 6 September.

In a tribute, his family said the 70-year-old was "always on hand if needed" and had "put considerable efforts into helping people and raising money for charity".

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash and anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.

Mr Barnes' family said he was brought up in St Helens but later lived in Thornton Cleveleys.

He was a former student at Poulton College and was a police officer for 30 years, predominantly in road traffic, as well as a cub leader and "dedicated freemason" his family said.

"Jim will be remembered as a happy, caring man with an infectious laugh and great sense of humour who always had a funny story to share," a statement said.

"His love of trains, motorbikes, cars and time with his family was well known and he loved just driving/riding all his life."

His two children and one granddaughter "all loved him dearly", the tribute added.

His wife Lynn died in 2009.

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