A 21-YEAR-OLD motorcyclist who died in a road accident was a civilian working at Bassingbourn Barracks. Michael Brown, of Beech Avenue, Biggleswade, was on the way to work when he was involved in a collision on the A1198. He had been working at Army Train

A 21-YEAR-OLD motorcyclist who died in a road accident was a civilian working at Bassingbourn Barracks.

Michael Brown, of Beech Avenue, Biggleswade, was on the way to work when he was involved in a collision on the A1198.

He had been working at Army Training Regiment's barracks for the past six months and was one of three civilian staff employed in the armoury department, issuing and returning weapons.

A colleague, Cpl Chris Munday, said: "Michael was a great guy. He was committed to his job and got on well with everyone.

"He was a funny, fun-loving 21-year-old who liked his music.

"It was a huge shock when we heard what had happened.

"We are still stunned by it and it's still subdued here at the moment.

"He will be sorely missed as he was a top guy."

Lt Col Nigel Smith, commanding officer at the barracks, ordered that the Union flag be lowered to half-mast in his memory.

Friends of Mr Brown left a monument in his memory hours after his death.

A large wooden cross topped with a crash helmet with his name on was taken to the scene by members of the Biggleswade biker group of which he was a member.

Mr Brown died after his Kawasaki motorcycle was in collision with a Nissan car on the A1198 between Whaddon and Wendy-cum-Shingay.

Mr Brown was a guitarist with Biggleswade group Attaka.

One of the closest friends of the former Stratton Upper School pupil, David Peers, who is the band's leader, said Mr Brown's death had been felt not just in Biggleswade but across a much wider area.

"He was such a fantastic guy. We cannot believe he has died. He was so young," said Mr Peers.

"Without him the band is silent at the moment. We have cancelled a lot of the gigs we had planned because we are all so shocked.

"A few of us motorcyclists who knew Mike went down to where he died and held a few minutes' silence.

"I made a cross which we erected with his name on. He loved his bike and playing for the group.

"He was Attaka's bass player and a great guitarist and a great mate.

"I just don't know when the group will play again. Other members of the group have taken it pretty badly. But one day we will play again because Mike would have wanted that."

- Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident, and can be contacted on 08454 564564.