TRIBUTES have been paid to a loveable rogue who was killed in a crash.

Motorcyclist Robert Cattermole, 20, was in the collision with a Vauxhall Corsa on the junction between London Road and Straight Road in Stanway at 11pm on Thursday.

Mother Debbie said she was devastated to lose her son, who had been working with Colchester-based sports installation firm, Sport Safe.

She said: "He was our loveable rogue - that was Rob or Bobo which was his nickname.

"He was a challenge as a child to many school teachers he met, struggled with rules and regulations, but always a loving and caring brother, son and grandson -the first to share his sweets, the first to offer a beer.

"These amazing traits took him into adulthood along with his playful sense of humour.

"Gladly Sports Safe gave him his opportunity to shine, learning to work by rules and schedules.

"He had become a proud member of the work force.

"Robbie was a popular person, enjoying good times with his friends and family.

"He was a competent motorcyclist, who has been tragically taken away from us through no fault of his own."

Mrs Cattermole said she was incredibly proud of her son and daughter, Emma, who were dealing with the loss of their father Richard who died six months ago.

She said: "They are both amazing, I'm very pleased and proud of them both."

Robert’s uncle Roger said he was grateful people had try to help his nephew.

He said: “On behalf of Robert's family a big thank you to those that came to assist.

“Robert had just completed an apprenticeship in Colchester and was in the process of buying his own flat in Stanway.

“This is a double tragedy for the family as Robert's father and my brother Richard was lost to cancer six months ago.”

Mr Cattermole added: "Robert was a really amicable character.

"Over the last few years he had really turned his life around and was highly regarded at Sport Safe where the managing director had taken him under his wing and we would really like to thank him for what he did."

Mr Cattermole said he would lobby highways bosses to redesign the junction to prevent further accidents in the future.

He said: “I believe there have been lots of similar accidents and will ask police to raise the issue with the council can be done to avoid such tragedies.

For example it would help if there was a lane arrow for traffic heading from Aldi direction into Straight Road.

“We had tried to get Robert into a car but he liked the flexibility of a 125 motorbike so for all us car drivers -please think bike.”

Dozens of tributes have been left on the Gazette’s website for Robert, who lived in the Colchester area.

Amy Toosh said: “RIP Robbie you will be missed.”

Jackie Hardie said: “Another young life and another family coming to terms with a loss. A lovely young man” and Sophia Fleur Barber added: “Still can’t believe it was him, sleep tight Rob.”

A 24-year-old man from Hornchurch was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has now been released on bail until April 13 next year.