Bikers in death crashes are named

Graham Mark "lived for his bike" said his family

Two motorcyclists killed within hours of each other in accidents on the same road in Powys were both from Shropshire, police have revealed.

Michael Ian Powell, from Newport, died in a collision with a Isuzu Trooper car at Cefn Bridge, east of Welshpool on the A458 on Sunday.

Three hours earlier, Graham Mark, 34, from Telford died in a crash with a vehicle on the west-bound A458.

Witnesses are asked to contact Newtown police station on 0845 3302000.

In a tribute paid to Mr Mark on Wednesday, his family said he "lived for his bike".

In a statement, his family added: ""He lived life to the full, worked hard and loved his dogs. You couldn't meet a better lad. He has left a huge gap no one will ever fill.

'Quiet life'

"He was loved by all his friends and family. He lived for his bike and was loved by young and old. The only consolation the family have is that he did not suffer."

Mr Mark died after a collision near Welshpool with a Mitsubishi Pajero (Shogun import) towing a trailer, at around 1550 BST on Sunday.

Dyfed Powys police said they were particularly keen to trace the driver of a small, dark-coloured car, believed to be a Ford Ka, which had been travelling just in front of a queue of traffic when the collision took place.

In statement issued on Tuesday, Mr Powell's family said he was "a country man at heart" and a motorcycle enthusiast with 20 years experience.

"He lived for his motorcycle and trips with his numerous fellow enthusiasts," said the statement.

"He was well liked within Newport and further afield within the motorcycle enthusiast and classic motorbike circles.

"He lived a quiet life enjoying his dogs, walks in the countryside and a close family."

In a separate incident on Sunday, police said several people had been injured in an accident at an off-road centre at Cwm Derw farm near Rhayader on Sunday.

Police said a Land Rover carrying four men and a child overturned. One casualty suffered a broken leg while the others escaped with cuts and bruises.