A father and son have died in a motorbike accident.

Colin Rafferty, 51, and his son Keir, 15, were killed in the crash when the bike left the road on the A72 in the Borders on Friday evening.

It is understood no other vehicle was involved.

Mr Rafferty was a coach for Gala Fairydean FC's under-17 squad, which Keir was part of. The teenager was a pupil at Galashiels Academy.

In a statement, Colin's wife, Brenda, and the couple's other sons, Craig and Neil, said: "Colin was not just a wonderful father and husband but the best friend to his three sons. Colin was always there for everybody - nothing was ever too much.

"He was passionate about life and lived it to the full. He will be remembered by friends, colleagues and the wider community from his role as a community psychiatric nurse and as a football coach for Gala Fairydean youths.

"Keir was the youngest son, 15 and the centre of all our lives. He brightened up any room he walked into with his cheeky grin and being a young man who said a lot in a few words! He loved his football and was a natural pillion passenger. He and his dad loved the bike, travelling in UK and Europe together.

"This tragic loss will forever leave a huge hole in our family life. However the memories of their lives will keep us smiling and laughing at the many antics the two would get up to."

The accident happened on the outskirts of Galashiels at about 5.30pm on Friday. The two lived in nearby Tweedbank.

A spokesman for the football club said: "As you can imagine the whole of Gala Fairydean is in shock at these events.

"All the players, coaches and committee offer our condolences to the family."

A minute's applause was held before the East of Scotland League club's match on Saturday against Berwick Rangers Reserves. All youth games involving the club this weekend have been cancelled.

Lothian and Borders Police said the motorbike was travelling east on the A72 towards the Galashiels town boundary when it left the road. The road was shut for five hours while a full accident investigation took place. A spokesman appealed for witnesses.