Relatives and colleagues are in mourning after a retained firefighter from Radlett died in a motorcycle accident on Thursday.

Simon Cawthorne, aged 32, died on Thursday morning after his motorcycle was involved in an accident in Potters Bar.

He lived in Radlett and had been a firefighter at Radlett Fire Station for three years. His ambition was to become a full-time firefighter with the London Fire Brigade.

Simon's father Chris Cawthorne said: "He was just so much larger than life, and he has left such a hole in all our lives."

Mother Janet Cawthorne said she felt proud and honoured to have had Chris as a son, and brother Darryl Cawthorne said: "So many people are here today because of Simon, from his work as a paramedic and then a firefighter."

Radlett Sub-Officer Tony Smith said: "He loved the job and was a huge character.

"We are a very close-knit team and it was hard breaking the news to the rest of the crew, obviously we are all stunned by the loss of a close colleague and friend."