A CLOSE friend of motorcyclist Andrew Stephen Turner who was killed in a collision with a lorry has described him as a devoted family man and role model for everyone who knew him.

The 34-year-old from Wheeler End, High Wycombe, died after he was in collision with a stationary Scania lorry as he drove towards the Handy Cross roundabout in High Wycombe last Thursday.

One of his closest friends of over ten years, Simon Warren, has spoken to the Free Press about his loyal friend and work colleague who many remember as being 'so full of life'.

"Andrew's family meant everything to him. His wife Jane and their children Toby and Molly were his life's passion and he strived to build a life for them through his hard work," said Mr Warren, who is also Toby's godfather.

Mr Turner's successful career as an executive chef saw him winning the prestigious contract Chef of the Year Award from the Craft Guild of Chefs last year.

The award recognised his work with catering company Aramark, where he supported and mentored head chefs across the South East of England.

Mr Warren added: "His job meant he could be overseeing a team of over 60 chefs in different kitchens but Andrew never tired in helping others out."

Mr Turner grew up in Tadworth in Surrey and married his wife in 1992. After the birth of Toby, now four, they decided to move closer to Jane's parents in South Bucks.

They moved to Bullocks Farm Way a year-and-a-half ago, after renting nearby for a few years.

"It was their dream home and he loved being so close to nature, with fields and animals around," Mr Warren said.

His passion for gardening led Mr Turner to consider giving up catering to develop his own gardening business which Mr Warren says was so he could spend more time with his family. He was a keen motorcyclist for many years and cherished his limited edition specialist bike.

Mr Warren added: "He was a very experienced driver and took a lot of care with his bike."