THE uncle of a motorcyclist who died after crashing into a tree has paid tribute to the father-of-two.

Paul Lee, 42, of Dale View Crescent, Chingford, was enjoying a bank holiday motorbike ride with two pals when he was killed after sliding off the road off and hitting a tree near Finchingfield, Essex, on Monday, August 31.

He was riding a red and white Yamaha bike.

His uncle, Cllr Peter Herrington, said: "All Paul's family and friends were greatly shocked and saddened by the news of his sudden and tragic death.

"Paul was a great guy who will be very much missed by us and especially his Nan.

"Paul lived a great deal of his life with his grandparents, both as a small child and following the death of his mum when he was 19.

"He had lived with us for the past two years as a result of the breakdown of his marriage.His completion of his divorce was due soon and he was looking forward to rebuilding his life.

"He had re-established contact with many old friends over the recent months and was again enjoying their company and support."

Cllr Herrington added: "We have been touched by the very many messages and tributes that have been made to Paul which all depict him as a kind, decent man and a good friend.

"Our thoughts are now with his two young children who Paul adored."

His friend Nigel Bell, 42, of Waltham Abbey, said the former print manufacturer was trying to rebuild his life after losing his job and going through a devorce.

He said: “Paul was number one to me. He was very positive even though he went through some tough times.

"He would buy you a pint. You get some genuine people like him out on the street. He would be the type of person who would come up and talk to you. He was like a brother to me.”

Mr Lee's mother died of cancer when he was young and his father left when he was a child.

This meant he was brought up by his grandmother May Herrington, 89, the mother of Cllr Herrington.

He married and had two children, Harrison, nine, and Jessica, seven.

However, Mr Lee had been trying to rebuild his life by keeping in contact with old friends on the social networking website Facebook, which is where he had rediscovered his passion for riding motorbikes after 20 years.

Mr Lee was riding with two friends when the accident happened.

Mr Lee slid off the road at 6.15pm.