Tributes have been paid to an Orpington man who tragically died in a motorcycling accident in Germany.

Tony Halliday, 54, was riding his motorbike between Titisee-Neustadt and Barenthal in the Black Forest region of Germany when he was involved in a collision with two cars.

He was knocked off his bike and died 30 minutes later from multiple traumatic injuries.

The incident happened on May 24 while Tony was visiting Germany with 17 other motorcyclists, including friend Jeff Rush, 42, from Erith, who was also killed in the incident.

Tony had lived with partner Joy McAllister in Renton Drive, Orpington, for the past 16 years.

News Shopper:

Tony Halliday, pictured with his friend Jeff Rush who was also killed in the incident

Miss McAllister, 56, told News Shopper: "We first crossed paths at Tesco in Sidcup in February 1993.

"No one could have prepared me for this gallant, bold, cheeky young man.

"I approached the entrance and I looked up and saw his amazing sparkling blue eyes and a smile that went from cheek to cheek.

"I smiled and as he went towards his car and I entered Tesco I turned back to grab another glance at that beautiful smile only to find he had turned his head towards me too and another cheeky smile was forthcoming.

"Thinking no more of it I went about my shopping and filled my trolley with my weekly shop.

"Then suddenly I looked up and there he was and that beaming smile and a slightly embarrassed look on his face.

"His words to me will always remain with me. He said: 'Hello, I hope you don’t think I make a habit of speaking to attractive young ladies, but I noticed your lovely smile and I wondered if you were single'."

News Shopper:

Tony enjoyed many outdoor activities, including cycling, motorcycling and go-karting

As well as being a keen motorcyclist, Tony was a great cyclist and rode for Sidcup Cycles most Saturdays.

He loved to challenge the younger riders up the hills around Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

Go-karting was another passion and he used to attend Bayford Meadows in Sittingbourne where he was the fastest rookie last year.

He was a successful businessman, sharing two businesses with partner Miss McAllister, Connoisseur Lighting Ltd and more recently online outdoor lighting business Exterior Lights UK Ltd.

Miss McAllister said she will continue to run these in his name.

She added: "As sad and tragic as this whole matter is, he would want to be remembered for all of the happy times shared.

"He is going to be sorely missed and his funeral will be quite an affair knowing so many people and the friendship he struck up with everyone."

Tony's funeral will be held on Friday June 20 at Kemnal Park Crematorium, Chislehurst.