Tributes have poured in for Jack Wilks, the West Molesey biker killed in a crash in Hersham on Saturday, October 9.

Mr Wilks, who was married to Kay, ran Elmbridge-based building contractors JB Wilks and Son since 1978.

Sue Crone, who has lived next door to Mr Wilks for 13 years, described her neighbour as a “gorgeous man”.

She said: “He was just a really, really nice man.

“They are all really nice next door – they are great neighbours.

“He loved his motorbike. He often went out on his bicycle too, and took his little dog with him on a basket attached to the bike.

“I really can’t believe this has happened.”

Ray Clarke, an architect Mr Wilks worked with, paid tribute to his former colleague.

He said: “I’ve known and worked with Jack for more than 20 years, and in that time we became friends.

“His enthusiasm, diligence and drive to produce a good end product was exemplary, and ensured he always had a good relationship with clients.

“It’s a sad day. Jack will be sorely missed.”

Martyn Hubbard, another architect and business associate of Mr Wilks, said he was “totally shocked” at the news.

He said: “We knew each other for a couple of years – he’d given me some work and I had given him some work.

“He loved his motorbike. I saw him on it once, that was his last job he did for me – and the last time I saw him.

“He was a very pleasant guy to deal with, very straightforward and very down to earth.

“He was a rough and ready kind of guy.

“Everybody who came into contact with him was pleased with the work he did for them.”