A young motorcyclist killed in a crash was looking forward to a future working alongside his father.

Simon Whitford, 21, died after his 125cc Honda motorbike collided with the rear of a lorry on the Canvey-bound A130 approach to the Sadlers Farm roundabout, in Benfleet, on Friday.

The former Shoebury High School pupil was taken to Basildon Hospital, but died the following day of a fatal brain injury.

Simon, of Cornec Chase, Leigh, was on his way to help decorate his girlfriend's flat in Grays when he had the accident.

He had been due to work with his father Alan, a printer, at at Mayhew McCrimmons, in Great Wakering, as his machine assistant.

Alan, 49, who is also a retained firefighter, today spoke of his happy son who was always smiling.

He said: "He was the gentle one of the family. He will be sorely missed.

"He was a genuinely happy person who never had a bad word to say against anyone."

Simon came from a large family of two brothers and a sister as well as five step siblings.

He lived with his mother Julie and stepfather Kevin, in Leigh, but also spent time with his father Alan and stepmother Jackie Whitford, at their home in Wakering Road, Shoebury.

Simon had been riding motorbikes since he was 16 years old.

Jackie, 42, said: "Since he had a girlfriend he was quite content with life."

Police today appealed for witnesses to the crash which led to Simon's death.

Anyone with information can call 01268 775533.