FRIENDS and family of an Ilton man who died in a motorbike crash have said he was the “perfect gentleman” who will be “sorely missed.”

Ray Mullett, 69, died on September 24 after his red Ducati was involved in a crash with a blue Mitsubishi and a red VW transporter.

Police and ambulance were called to the scene on the B3153 near Kingweston and Mr Mullett was declared dead at the scene.

Chard resident John Gudge worked with Ray, pictured right at Phoenix Engineering in Chard for a number of years.

Mr Gudge said: “Ray was a good man with whom I worked at Phoenix Engineering in Chard. He was one of the safest and best bikers I have ever known and a good pal. Sorry you’re gone Ray, old mate. RIP.

“I was shocked to see his name as the deceased. Ray was one of the safest and steadiest bikers I have ever known. He always observed speed limits and had a good eye for road problems, and when his name was revealed by the police I found it difficult to believe.”

Mr Gudge added: “I have ridden with him as his pillion passenger and always felt safe. He was good at his job, and I learned a few things from him.

“He had an unlikely hobby of cake decorating, and I have had several of his cakes. They were done with the precision that you would expect being the excellent engineer that he was.

“I’ll miss him not being around. I am only one of many, who have had the pleasure of working with him. We were in gangs of fitters and welders, building bitumen boilers and asphalt spreaders and other road surfacing machinery for the world of export.”

Shane Hooper captains the Bell Inn skittles club in Ilminster, who Ray played for for more than 20 years.

Ray had joined the team when Shane’s dad was the captain and stayed in the group after Shane took over the role.

Mr Hooper said: “He was just a perfect gentleman. He loved a game of cards. He used to play nap.

“I always remember dad was looking for someone to play and one of the guys said his friend wasn’t a great player but he would always turn up.

“That was Ray, he was reliable and a lovely bloke.”

Eryl Ellis is the landlord at Ray’s local pub, The Wyndham Arms in Ilton.

He added: “Ray was a very very pleasant gentleman. He was intelligent and unassuming.

“I have owned this place for nine years and he has been coming here as long as I have run it.”

Ilton resident Serena Lonton served on the village hall committee with Ray.

She said: “I am so sad to hear about Ray Mullett. I was on the Ilton Village Hall committee with him several years ago and he was a true villager at heart. Sincere condolences to Ray’s family and friends. RIP."

Last week, a statement was issued by Ray’s family that said: “Ray was a keen motorcyclist and will be sorely missed by family and friends.

“As a family we would appeal for privacy to allow us time to come to terms with our loss. We would also appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to please come forward and make contact with the police.”

Witnesses are asked to call Avon and Somerset Police’s Collision Investigation Unit on 101 giving the reference number CI/198/16.