Father dies in bike crash

A lock worker from Willenhall out on a motorbike run to the seaside has died following a collision with a lorry on a road in North Wales. Father-of-two Alan Freeman was pronounced dead at the scene.

He was thrown from his Yamaha R6 sports bike in the collision on a left hand turn on the A470 near Tabor, 10 miles from Dolgellau two days ago. The 40-year-old, who married his sweetheart three years ago, was riding his 600cc bike near Bwlch Dinas, Mawddwy, when tragedy struck.

Mr Freeman was riding with a friend to Barmouth.

Speaking at the family's home, in Essington Road, New Invention, his devastated widow Bev said today the whole community was in shock.

"Al was an absolute star," said the 38-year-old.

"He was one of these people who you just had to get on with. He was there if you needed him.

"He lived his life as he wanted to live it. He lived a good life to the very last second of it."

She said her husband, who leaves sons Lee, aged 18 and Adam, 16, as well as stepson Kyle Davis, 10, was a bike and car enthusiast.

Mrs Freeman said friends and family had streamed into their home to offer condolences and she had had telephone calls from relatives in Australia as well as from people in Dudley, where the couple married at the town's register office, more than three years ago.

"I just can't believe it, it doesn't seem real. We're all missing him, the kids, his mates and we're all in shock.

"Everybody has been round to see us which has been of comfort and a big help.

"Al had two brothers and a sister, and was particularly close to his nephew Dave who is absolutely gutted," he added.

The A470 is a long distance connective road which runs from Cardiff on the south coast to Llandudno on the north coast.

Police closed the road at Bwlch Dinas Mawddwy, while emergency services worked. Officers in North Wales are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

An inquest on Mr Freeman has been opened and adjourned.