A YOUNG man who tragically died following a road traffic incident is being remembered as a fun-loving person who would help anyone.

James Goodman, aged 28, died in hospital in the early hours of Monday, February 21, five days after he was in collision with a car while out cycling

James, who lived with his partner in Kershaw Close, Taunton, was seriously injured in the collision on the A372 at Westonzoyland.

He grew up in Combe Florey, near Bishops Lydeard, and leaves parents Louise and Roger; siblings Jayne, Richard and Emily; and grandmother Jenny.

As a child, James attended Lydeard St Lawrence Primary School and Kingsmead Community School and played football for Bishops Lydeard.

After leaving school, he was a hardworking builder's labourer.

His father Roger said: "He lived life to the full.

"He packed a lot into his short life.

"We will miss him tremendously.

"He was a kindly lad. If he had something, he'd give it to someone who needed it.

"We decided that because he was so giving he would have wanted his organs to be donated.

"They were accepted in Cardiff, Birmingham and London and helped to save three other lives."

Mr Goodman added that James, who enjoyed attending raves, was a popular man and around 30 of his friends released balloons in the park behind Asda in Taunton to honour his memory.

His sister Jayne Stone said: "James did odd jobs and was always helping other members of the family.

"He was a country boy at heart. He enjoyed the country way of life. He used to go pheasant beating."

A service of celebration of James's life is taking place at Taunton Deane Crematorium on Wednesday, March 16, at 2.30pm.

People are asked to attend dressed "as you feel he would have wanted to say farewell".

Donations if desired for Headway and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance may be sent c/o Taunton Funeral Service, 55 Bridge Street, Taunton, with cheques payable to TFS Donation a/c.

Police have previously issued an appeal for witnesses to the road traffic collision on the A372 at around 7.45pm on Wednesday, February 16 to contact them on 101 giving reference number 5222039518.