Mum's tribute to popular pair

The motorcyclist and his fiancee killed on a charity bike ride in New Zealand were today described as a "much-loved" couple with a large circle of friends.

Former Stourbridge couple Jonathan Hale and Jody Butler had lived in Wordsley together before moving to New Zealand in September to start a new life.

News of their death on Sunday while on a charity motorbike ride has left friends and family in the Black Country devastated.

Mr Hale's distraught mother Joy Lappage today spoke of her heartbreak.

Speaking from her Wombourne home she said: "Jonathan and Jody had been together for a couple of years and decided to make a new life for themselves in New Zealand.

"Jon had been a design and technology teacher back here at Haybridge High School and he was about to start a new job in February teaching in New Zealand.

"They were going to get married in the summer.

"He was the most loving son any mother could have and we had a wonderful close relationship."

Mrs Lappage said her son had taught design and technology at the top performing Haybridge High School in Hagley before leaving for New Zealand.

She said: "He was a very popular member of staff with the kids and his colleagues and I know they will be very upset."

Mr Hale was also a lifelong member of the former Woodcraft Club in Mount Pleasant, Wordsley, which he joined at the age of four.

The club was similar to a scout group and took youngsters on camping trips and other activities.

Mrs Lappage added: "Both Jonathan and Jody had such a big circle of friends who were very close like brothers and sisters and they will all be devastated. They were a much-loved couple. It just doesn't seem real at the moment."

Mrs Lappage said her son had owned scooters and motorbikes before and was an experienced motorcyclist.

A joint funeral will be held at Wordsley's Holy Trinity Church once the couple's bodies have been flown back to the United Kingdom.

By Ben Lammas