TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Hampshire's most promising teenage sportsmen who died in a motorcycle accident.

Eighteen-year-old Guy Farbrother was a prodigious motorbike racing talent who had been tipped to become a potential future world superbike champion.

However that dream was tragically cut short last week after Guy was killed when his motorbike collided with a car on the Old Stoke Road, Sutton Scotney near Winchester.

His funeral will take place at the Holy Trinity Church in Wonston tomorrow at 3.30pm.

Tributes to the popular rider from Wonston have been received from many of those involved in the sport, including his team The Red Bull Rookies, for whom Guy was their up-and-coming star.

Last year Guy was selected from hundreds of applicants to ride for the Rookies, and got off to a great start finishing fourth, third and second before taking the first win of his senior career at Thruxton.

He finished sixth in the championship in his first season, although had he not missed four races after breaking his collarbone, those in the sport say he could well have finished much higher.

His parents Gerald and Linda Farbrother were too upset to talk, but issued a brief statement.

It said simply: "Guy was much loved and supported by his parents, family and friends."

A spokesman for the Rookies, said: "His talent was undeniable and he had the potential to achieve so much more and to develop into a true racing talent.

"This year he would have shone through and gone to the top."

Another person paying tribute was Linda Pelham, the Red Bull Motorsports manager.

She said: "From our initial meeting with Guy and his mum Linda, I knew we had found someone special.

"His contribution to our team was immeasurable and he will be desperately missed.

"He put so much more into our team than he ever took out - we gave him the opportunity but he gave us 100 per cent commitment, passion for the Rookies project and was a great team player.

"His career has been tragically cut short, but he will never be forgotten."

Neil Hellings, the boss of the Auto-Cycle Union that all professional motorbike racer must belong to, added: "This is a tragedy.

"Guy was a promising young rider who was destined for great things. It is a sad loss for British motorsport and I am sure he will be sorely missed throughout the paddock."

Officers are still seeking witnesses to the accident that happened on Monday, March 31 shortly before 7.30pm when Guy's blue Honda NSR250 collided with a car pulling out of the road leading to East Stoke Farm.

Ring Hampshire police on 0845 045 4545 with any information.