Friends and colleagues have rallied around the family of a much-loved father of three following his death in a motorbike crash.

Darren Thompson, 36, who was born and bred in the city, died in a collision on Hatfield Road on Thursday, August 31.

His family, including partner Clare James and three children, said in a statement: “Darren was well-loved by all who knew him. He is a treasured partner, dad, son, brother, uncle and a friend to all who met him.

“He has left behind a huge hole in all of our lives but his memory and lust for life will live on in the hearts and minds of us all.”

Schoolfriend Warren Jeggo said: “I was heartbroken when I found out.

“He was a gentleman, and would do anything for you. You could not see him for weeks, but you could ring him up and ask for a hand, and he would never say no.

“He was probably one of the best people we will ever know,”

Darren had been riding for just over a year when he died after a collision with a BMW at the Acrewood Way junction.

The avid scuba diver regularly rode his white Honda to his job at rail contractor the Giffen Group - the company’s office is the next street from the accident scene.

Regional manager for the Giffen Group, Mark Peters, said: “Darren has worked for Giffen Group since leaving school.

“He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Our thoughts at this sad time are with his family and friends.”

Donations have flooded in to a crowdfunding page set up to pay for Darren’s funeral and support the family. It reached £2,000 within an hour.

Warren said: “We thought straight away to start the page so Clare does not have to work, as there would be money to pay bills.

“I hope it will be enough to help them for a long time to go.”

An online petition to change the road layout at the junction has been launched, and has so far received over 300 signatures.

Petition organiser Louise Watson, from Louise Driving School, said: “People are taking chances, and lorries have to use both lanes to get out.”

She wants three mini-roundabouts on the road by Acrewood Way, Lyon Way, and Colney Heath Lane.

Visit you.38degrees.org.uk for the petition.

For the crowdfunder, visit www.justgiving.com