A BOURNEMOUTH motorcyclist who died following a crash in North Dorset last week has been named as Derek John Collings.

Mr Collings, who was 64, died of multiple injuries after a two-vehicle crash on the A350 near Blandford St Mary at 1.45pm on Friday.

He was treated at the scene following the collision, which involved a car, on the single carriageway between Charlton Marshall and Blandford St Mary.

The “experienced” biker, who was riding a black Kawasaki motorcycle, was airlifted to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester by the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance but was sadly pronounced dead on arrival.

Readers have paid tribute on the Bournemouth Daily Echo website, with one posting under the name ‘Marionbeck’ writing: “Derek was a true gentleman.”

The poster added: “He will be sorely missed.”

Mr Collings’ funeral is being arranged by Harry Tomes Ltd in Boscombe.

No date has yet been set.

A 22-year-old Wimborne man, who was behind the wheel of a black Peugeot 207 involved in the incident, was arrested and released on police bail until the beginning of April.

The road was closed for several hours on Friday to allow forensic investigators to examine the scene.