FRIENDS of a keen cyclist who was killed in a collision with a delivery lorry earlier this year have been taking to the roads around the world to mark what would have been his 50th birthday.

Gary Kelly, from Harnham, died on June 28 after being hit by a Scania lorry on the A354 near Coombe Bissett.

On Monday, an inquest heard that while cycling in the direction of Salisbury he had moved out into the centre of the road, thinking he had sufficient time to turn right into a cycleway leading to the Great Yews Woods, but fatally misjudged the speed of the lorry behind, which had also pulled out to overtake both Mr Kelly and his friend.

In reading out statements from witnesses to the tragic accident, coroner for Wiltshire and Swindon David Ridley said that although Mr Kelly had looked over his right shoulder and been aware of the HGV, he had not looked immediately before making the manoeuvre.

The court also heard that the lorry driver, who had previously worked as an HGV training instructor, was driving below the speed limit and could not have done anything to avoid the collision.

The 49-year-old, described by his family as a "ray of sunshine" who "loved life and was adored by everyone" was an experienced rider and also enjoyed motorcycling, snowboarding and jet-skiing.

Dan Webb, who went cycling with Mr Kelly every weekend for 15 years, and was with him on the Saturday morning he died, has helped to organise two road rides to celebrate what would have been his 50th birthday this December.

The first, a 50-mile ride, took place on October 26 taking in the Woodford Valley, Bulford, Shrewton and the Langfords while a 50km off-road mountain bike ride is taking place next Sunday (November 16) through the Chalke Valley.

The group of cyclists will also be joined by friends taking part in mirrored rides in New Zealand and France in memory of Mr Kelly.

Mr Webb said the events were to help fund a memorial oak bench for Mr Kelly to be placed in the grounds of Salisbury Cathedral.

He said: "Gary was someone who lit up the room wherever he went He just had a massive smile and was brighter than the sun, he was great fun.

"One of the things he was trying to do was get everyone back together cycling like in the old days and I wanted to make that happen.

“We had a great turn out with 46 riders last week and we already have 25 rides signed up from as far afield as Cornwall, Guernsey and France for next Sunday.

“We have already raised enough for the oak bench and the remainder of the money will now go towards charities chosen by Gary’s parents.”

Speaking after the coroner’s conclusion, that he died as a result of a road traffic collision, his parents Sheila and Bob, his siblings Mark and Michelle and his partner Mandy, said: "We would like to thank Wiltshire Police for the way in which they helped us all the way through and all of Gary's friends who have been a tower of strength - I don't think we would have got through it at all without his friends."

* The off road mountain bike ride next Sunday (November 16) is for experienced riders and starts at Wilton Fire Station at 9.30am. A £20 fee for the ride includes drink and food stops and a barbecue at Wilton Fire Station at the finish. Entry forms are available at Hayball Cycle Sport in Winchester Street, Salisbury, or Topstyle Hair in Water Ditchampton, Wilton.