TRIBUTES have been paid to a motorcyclist killed in a crash near Blandford.

Grandfather Graham Probert, 53, died on the A350 north of the town at 12.30pm on September 1.

An inquest into his death opened earlier this week.

Since his death, public tributes have been paid online to Mr Probert, a keen motorcyclist from Gillingham, particularly via his daughter Emma Louise Stocker’s Facebook page.

Emma posted online to say that her dad was “clearly loved by so many people”.

She added: “Dad has been taken from us far too early and what’s more sad is we didn't get to say goodbye.

“I love and miss him so much already.”

Emma also said that Mr Probert’s funeral would be held next Thursday, September 19, at St Mary’s Church in Gillingham, 1pm. All are welcome.

His family released balloons in his memory last week.

Mr Probert suffered serious injuries and was airlifted from the scene on the A350 near Compton Abbas and taken to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol, where he died.

An inquest was opened and adjourned on Tuesday at Flax Bourton Coroners Court in Somerset.

Evidence was heard that Mr Probert died at the hospital on September 1.

The cause of death has been confirmed as multiple injuries.

The crash involved a motorcycle being ridden south when it was in collision with a grey Land Rover Discovery, travelling north, registered to a driver from Caerphilly, Wales.

Mr Probert’s funeral is family flowers only, with donations to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance via AJ Wakely and Sons Funeral Directors.