The family of a mid Wales rider who died after crashing at the Isle of Man TT races say they are taking comfort knowing he was enjoying his passion.

In a heartbreaking tribute the "utterly devastated" family of Mark Purslow have revealed the 29-year-old had always said if he was "going to go" he would want it to be while enjoying his passion for motorcycle racing.

Purslow, from Llanon, Ceredigion, died after a crash at Ballagarey during qualifying on Wednesday (June 1).

The statement said: "For now we are going to try and get some solace in the fact he always told us if he was going to go this would be the way he would want to, and that he would be smiling."

They described the rider as an "amazing person inside and out" and "one in a million" who was "always there for other people".

A former Manx Grand Prix Lightweight race winner, Purslow had competed in the Classic TT since 2016 and last took part in the June TT races in 2017.

"Mark was loved by everyone, not one person had a bad word to say about him and that's because he was an amazing person inside and out," said a family statement.

"He was always cracking a joke and making light of every situation with a big smile on his face, always there for other people.

County Times: Mark Purslow, who was 29, was on his third lap of the session at Ballagarey, between the third and fourth-mile markers of the circuit, when the incident occurred.Mark Purslow, who was 29, was on his third lap of the session at Ballagarey, between the third and fourth-mile markers of the circuit, when the incident occurred.

"He loved to ride, and he knew the risks, but he loved racing since such a young age. He followed dad and his talent was immense, he learnt from the best.

"He was getting to his peak, having the best year ever with the Never Be Clever Racing team after so many years of doing it the hard way with dad as a privateer.

"We are beyond heartbroken, in shock and utterly devastated. We are such a close family and this loss is so hard to bare.

"We wanted to say thank you to all the kind messages of support and love from everyone who knew him. We will share any news on the funeral when we have it.

"For now we are going to try and get some solace in the fact he always told us if he was going to go this would be the way he would want to, and that he would be smiling.

"He will be telling us all to stop crying, have a laugh and a drink for him, and celebrate his achievements.

"We love you Mark forever and always you were one in a million, always in our hearts. The Purslow family."