Motorcyclist Neil Petford, who died on 23 July, 2008, when his bike collided with a tractor, was weeks away from getting married.

The former policeman, of Northorpe, died at the scene on Kirton Road, Blyton.

It is understood Mr Petford used to work for Derbyshire Constabulary but left in 2004, and had recently become a welder.

He had written on an Internet forum:"My fiance has just passed her test and I've bought her a ZZR 600," he wrote. "Great first bike.

"We get married in August, and we're planning a honeymoon to the south of France two-up on my Z1000, but now she has passed she wants to ride as well, so the British Isles it is."

A keen biker and 'petrolhead', Mr Petford had been riding motorbikes since he was four years old, and said: "I will always have one."

Mr Petford had specially modified a Mitsubishi FTO to be his wedding car.

Another forum entry states: "Was all done for my good lady so we can leave the church in style on our wedding day."

His bike collided with a tractor and trailer full of hay, which caught alight.