A HAMPSHIRE father of two has died in a road accident in Switzerland.

Colin Down, 39, is thought to have lost his life when his motorbike collided with a car in the popular holiday region of Valais.

Mr Down, of Westbury Court, Hedge End, is understood to have been employed as a welding inspector.

It is believed that the accident occurred on Thursday, June 22.

Mr Down leaves a partner Katrina and his two daughters Yasmin and Zoe.

An obituary notice released by his family said: "Colin was much loved and respected by his family, friends and colleagues and will be very sadly missed by all those whose lives he had touched."

An inquest into Mr Down's death was opened and adjourned on Thursday by coroners in Worthing, where most of his family are thought to live.

A spokesman for Worthing Coroners Office said they were still waiting for more details from the Swiss authorities regarding the accident and how it happened.

The Valias region is protectively surrounded by scores of 4,000-metre mountains, among them the world-famous Matterhorn.

A funeral service will be held at St John Evangelist Church, Hedge End, on Wednesday, followed by his committal at Southampton Crematorium.

People attending the funeral have been asked for no black or mourning.