Andrew RichardsA MOTORBIKE enthusiast and devoted father of two has been found dead in the garden shed he was building to house his beloved motorbike.

Andrew Richards, 37, was found by a neighbour at 10.30am on Monday at his home in Newleaze, Steeple Ashton.

His sister Sharon, 29, said: "The hardest thing has been telling everyone. People just don't believe it.

"It is like some kind of surreal dream that isn't happening. I am waiting for someone to slap me in the face and say wake up."

Mr Richards was a stay-at-home father, raising his son Joshua, 10, as a single parent.

Joshua's sister, nine-year-old Holly, lives with her mother in Bradford on Avon, where both children are now being cared for.

Mr Richards' family have been devastated by his loss and his parents were this week too upset to speak about his death.

His sister said: "They are in pieces. No one expects to bury their child.

"We just can't believe it is true. After I heard I kept phoning his mobile and expecting him to answer."

The former John of Gaunt School pupil grew up in Trowbridge and worked as a milkman, taxi driver and dustman.

Miss Richards said: "He lived day by day. He was fun-loving and would do anything to help anyone out.

"He lived for his children. Everything he did, he did for his kids."

He had many friends in the town, was a member of several motorbike clubs and a regular at the White Swan pub in Church Street.

Landlord Peewee Hunt said: "He was a really well-liked friend to many in the pub, particularly in the biker fraternity. He will be greatly missed."

Mr Richards' family plan to have him buried with his favourite leather jacket and will keep his Kawasaki 750 motorcycle to be passed on to his son.

Funeral arrangements will be made once the results of a post-mortem examination, due to be carried out this week, are known.

Police were informed of the death but said they do not believe there were any suspicious circumstances.