A HAMPSHIRE father-of-two who was hailed a hero after rescuing a woman from a blazing flat has died in a tragic motorcyle accident.

Brent Saunders, 35, was riding his Kawasaki bike on one of his favourite routes in North Hampshire when he was in collision with a 7.5-tonne tipper lorry.

The former window fitter for Greenberg Windows, based in Millbrook, who had a three-year-old daughter, Caitlin, and a one-year-old son, Ryan, had a passion for motorbikes but rarely got to ride them because of work and family duties.

Brent, who lived in Radstock Road, Woolston, with his partner of ten years, Sharon Garrahan, made the headlines in April 2000 when he and another Southampton father, Steve Sutherland, smashed the window of a burning flat with a paving slab to save a woman who was trapped.

He had been on his way to celebrate his 32nd birthday with Sharon when he spotted smoke coming from the building and did not hesitate to take action. He was later praised by fire chiefs for his bravery.

The tragic accident happened on the A339 between Alton and Basingstoke - a notorious accident blackspot - at 10.45am on Thursday, April 17.

Today his relatives have paid tribute to the hardworking but fun-loving family man.

Sharon, 28, said the whole family was devastated by Brent's death.

She said: "Ryan's too young to understand but Caitlin is very aware - she knows daddy's not coming back."

Sharon's stepdad Kevin West added: "One of the things evidently missing from the family is Brent's sense of fun.

"Dinner times were lovely occasions with plenty of banter and mickey-taking, mainly because of Brent.

"I've never heard anyone have a bad word to say about him, which is rare for the modern society we live in."

The family has been inundated with letters from friends saying they were honoured to have met Brent. Mr West said: "The turnout at his funeral will bear testament to his popularity."

The funeral will take place at Southampton Crematorium at 1pm on Tuesday, May 6.

Brent's mother, Pam, has asked mourners to donate money to a local children's home, which is yet to be decided, instead of sending flowers.

To find out more about donating, call Mr West on 07790 587858.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the accident and anyone with information is asked to call Whitehill traffic police on 0845 045 4545.