The family of a motorcyclist who died following a fatal road traffic collision near Gretha has paid tribute to a much-loved husband and father who was “a great lover of life”.

On Saturday, September 2, a traffic collision on the A6071, south of Gretna, caused the death of Charles Birse, of Carlisle, who was known as Charlie. He was only 62-years-old.

Charlie’s family released a statement paying tribute to the former railway engineer and a “loving husband”.

His family said: “He was a loving husband of Wendy, much loved father of Carl and Alex, son-in-law of Peter and Eileen, brother-in-law of Carl and Emma, uncle to Annie and Sonny and a much-loved cousin and friend to many.

“Charlie, son of the late Ted and Betty, was a dedicated biker.  He grew up in Denton Holme and attended St Aidan’s High School.  He served his time as an engineer on the railways, working more recently for a number of years at DRS in Kingmoor.  

“He was a great lover of life and travel, enjoying laid-back days with his family and friends.  He will be greatly missed by all that loved and knew him.”