The family of a 35-year-old Shropshire motorbike instructor has paid tribute to a “devoted dad” who “lived live to the full.”

Matthew Witterick, of Minsterley, near Shrewsbury, died on October 18 after developing mesothelioma. Mid and North Shropshire coroner John Ellery recorded a verdict of industrial disease at his inquest on Wednesday. Mr Witterick’s family is suing Birmingham-based AG Warren and Sons.

It is claimed he was exposed to asbestos dust at the premises of the firm, which has since gone into liquidation.

Mr Witterick’s wife Sharon, of Brockton Meadow, Worthen, said her husband was a wonderful father to their children Sam, 11, and Tom, eight.

She said: “He always had projects on the go and there was never a dull moment. He was a motorbike instructor, which he loved. He was very much into motorbikes – it was his passion.

“He ran Safe Rider Training, which was his business passed on from his dad.

“We met in 1991 in a pub and it was his sense of humour that attracted me to him. He is very much missed by his children and myself.”Mr Witterick’s sister Louise, of Birmingham, said: “He was a fantastic uncle and my little boy misses him greatly. He was a big man in many ways and a privilege to have as a brother.”

Mum Nan Smith, of Solihull, said her son would be sorely missed. “As a little boy, he was absolutely adorable and as a grown man he would not harm a fly,” she said.

Mr Witterick’s girlfriend Tracy Adams, 31, with whom he lived in Minsterley, also paid tribute to him.

She said: “He was a brilliant man and a brilliant motorcycle instructor and he had a reputation of being the best in Shrewsbury and his way was to make everyone laugh so they did not realise they were learning.”

She said Mr Witterick was one of the first people to try a new drug called Alimta – approved by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence for people with asbestos-related cancer.

Mr Witterick also leaves his father Bob Witterick, of Abermule, Powys.

By Rebecca Lawrence