TRIBUTES have been paid to a cyclist who was killed in a collision with a lorry on the A303.

James Pitt, 71, from Amesbury, died after the incident on Monday while riding a three-wheeled bike.

Now his family have paid tribute to him.

They said: "The last two years have been incredibly hard for our family, and Jim's sudden and unexpected passing has come as a tremendous shock.

"In the last 18 months, I have lost a mother and sister and in the process my wife and children have lost their mother-in-law, grandma, sister-in-law, and aunt.

"For the third time in less than two years, we have had to explain to our now five-year-old and seven-year-old sons that one of their family won't be coming home; that Granddad went for a bike ride but won't be coming back."

Salisbury Journal:

They added: "Jim, who was 71 years old and moved to Amesbury more than 40 years ago, lived and breathed cycling.

"His passing is made harder by the fact that he had just received confirmation that he was going to be Head Gardener at the London England Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

"This voluntary position was going to be an opportunity for him to combine his love of gardening with his commitment to the church, and was something that brought an incredible sense of pride and purpose at a difficult period in his life.

"Jim was one of the founding members of the Amesbury (UK) Epilepsy Support Group, which he set up last year in memory of his daughter Hana, who was only 32 years old when she tragically died following a seizure while travelling in New Zealand in 2017.

"He was also hit incredibly hard by the death of his heartbroken wife Jacqui, who passed away last November after a short battle with cancer.

"We would like to thank everyone for their support.

"Funeral arrangements have not yet been confirmed, but if anyone who would like to make a donation in Jim's memory, then please consider supporting Epilepsy Action or Wiltshire Air Ambulance."

Salisbury Journal:

Jim, far right, was a volunteer for Epilepsy Action

Wiltshire Police says that the investigation into the collision is continuing.

Anyone with information, including anyone with dash cam footage, is asked to contact Wiltshire Police's Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference 54190094473.