The motorcyclist who died in a road accident near Witney at the weekend was a member of the town's rugby club, it emerged today.

Tributes from the Hailey Road club have been paid to former player Dave Lambourne, 43.

He died on Sunday after his red-and-black Suzuki motorbike left the road in Curbridge.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident at 5.45pm, which happened on Main Road, just to the west of Downs Road, off the A4095 Witney Road.

A posting on the Witney RFC website said: "Ex-player Dave, whose son Aaron is currently playing, was involved in a road accident on Sunday night and died.

"Many of us played with Dave and he was always great fun to be around with a wicked sense of humour."

Press officer Dave Gardner added: "It is very sad news - Dave was a nice guy and everyone at the club is thinking of his family.

"Dave had owned a motorbike for quite a while and as far as I know he had never had an accident before.

"I'm sure there will be a minute's silence on Saturday before the first, second and third team games."

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call Bicester roads policing department on 08458 505505.