Family tribute to gentle giant

Joseph Smith (left) and his brother Thomas

The family of a teenager from Middleton who died following a head-on motorbike smash in Denshaw have paid tribute to “their gentle giant”.

Joseph Smith was killed instantly when his bike collided with another on the A6052 Delph Road at 3.40pm on Saturday.

The 17-year-old, who lived in Malta Close, Middleton, leaves a brother Tom, 21 and sisters Emma, 23 and Amy, 25.

Joe is a former pupil of Middleton Technology School and was about to start his second year on a plumbing course at Oldham College. He also worked part-time at Argos on the Elk Mill retail park.

His sister Emma said she feels 'disbelief' and his mother said she: "I've had my baby robbed off me".

The family described Joe as a very quiet, gentle giant who would do anything for anyone. He loved anything to do with the outdoors including camping, fishing, barbecues and gardening.

Joe always spent a lot of time on the moors and he loved going up there with his brother in Tom's car. When he was 17 he bought his motorbike and would regularly be out riding near Saddleworth. Joe was fanatical about cleaning the bike and hated it getting wet.

He hoped to pass his bike test and get a bigger bike.

His dad Tom said: "He meant the world to me, they all do. You never get over something like this. There is an emptiness.

"I will never be the same again."

The other biker killed in the accident has yet to be named.

Anyone who witnessed the collision should call traffic police 0161-856 8743.