AN ‘amazing and caring’ charity worker was the happiest he had ever been before he was killed in a crash.

James Raeburn was seriously injured in a crash with a car on Julians Road, Wimborne.

The 40-year-old who had been riding his bike very sadly died at the scene.

Following his death on Wednesday, October 4, his family has now issued a tribute.

It reads: “James was an amazing and caring person, who had overcome a lot of obstacles in his life.

“He had a love of 60s and 70s music and horror films. He would travel for miles on his bike and enjoy long walks. 

“His life was just coming together, and he was the happiest he has ever been, enjoying his charity work at Oxfam in Parkstone, thanks to the staff he was more confident and sure of what he was doing. He was also starting to volunteer at Hospital Radio Bedside.”

The car involved was a red Vauxhall Corsa and the driver, a local woman aged in her 20s, was arrested on suspicion of driving offences. She remains released on police bail while enquiries continue.

Police Sergeant Gareth Thomas, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of James Raeburn.

“James’ family have now shared a tribute to him and have issued an image of James that was taken during his time volunteering at Hospital Radio Bedside.

“We are continuing to investigate the collision and I am appealing to any witnesses who have not already spoken to police, or anyone with relevant dashcam footage, to please come forward.”

Area coroner for Dorset, Brendan Allen, opened the inquest at Bournemouth Town Hall on October 23.

Following a post-mortem examination, Dr Basil Purdue found that his provisional cause of death was a head injury.

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230157876.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.

An inquest into James' death opened at Bournemouth Town Hall on Monday.