The mother of a motorcyclist who died when he was catapulted from his bike in a crash with a car has told of her devastation at losing him.

Jason Mickelburgh, 37, of Ridge Road, Sutton, was thrown from his machine into a field following a collision with a Suzuki Vitara on Gadbrook Road in Betchworth, Surrey, on Friday.

A 65-year-old man from the area was arrested after the crash following a breath test on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has been released on bail until June 16 pending further enquiries.

His mother Brenda, 69, said the thought her son’s death may have been avoided haunted her and she worried she would never get over losing him.

She said: “My son died tragically. I had to go to see him; I had to say my last goodbye. It has hit me harder because he was there all the time.

“He was lovely, he was full of life and worked really hard.”

Mr Mickelburgh, a former Glastonbury School student whose older brother Dean, 41, now lives in Newcastle, was returning home from work when the crash happened.

His mother said her son was due to sell his bike that weekend and had only chosen to ride it to work, because his car would not start.

Best friend Chris Edland, 38, from Sutton, had known Mr Mickelburgh since they were six.

He said: “I don’t think it has sunk in yet. He was the nicest bloke. We used to take the bikes out on the weekend.”

Neighbour Jennie Williams, 42, a funeral service arranger, is helping organise the funeral which will be held at North East Surrey Crematorium on Garth Road on April 30 at 4pm.

A motorcycle hearse will take Mr Mickelburgh’s coffin and minister Trevor Wright, who will arrive on his motorbike, will take the service.

Witnesses can call the Surrey Police Collision Investigation Unit on 01483 639922 quoting reference number p10113494.