Tributes have been paid to a father-of-two who died at the weekend after falling while out riding with his cycling club.

Thomas Anderson, 48, from Torphichen, near Bathgate, was cycling on a country road between Rotmell and Dunkeld, Perthshire, when the accident happened on Saturday at around 6.45pm.

He was airlifted to the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow, where he later died of his injuries.

Tayside Police have said no other cyclists were involved and investigations were continuing to establish the full circumstances, adding that a report would be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

They could not confirm whether he had been wearing a cycle helmet.

Mr Anderson was described as a "committed family man" and an avid amateur race cyclist.

He was captain of Falkirk Bicycle Club, where he has been a member for more than 10 years and met his wife, Katie Wylie, a fellow member, through their love of cycling.

The couple have two young daughters.

Ms Wylie is a teacher at Lornshill Academy in Alloa and Mr Anderson was a stay-at-home father.

It is believed that he was originally from Glasgow, where his family owned several shops.

Jonathan McBain, owner of Pedal Power cycle shop in West Calder, said Mr Anderson was a regular customer.

He said: "He was in here all the time, he was a big character and everyone in the shop liked him. He was friends with everyone and a lot of people knew him for his racing. The whole community will be in shock."

A neighbour said: "I heard the news this morning and I'm so shocked. This is a small village and I know a lot of other people will feel the same.

"He was a regular family man and I just feel so sorry for his wife."

Mr Anderson and his wife had only a week ago organised a club charity ride involving 30 members, raising funds for charity Friends of Chernobyl's Children for whom they had provided respite care for children suffering the after effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Falkirk Bicycle Club released a statement yesterday requesting that his family were not disturbed.

The statement said: "Tom was not only a captain who led by example but who inspired others through his cheery manner and dedication to his sport.

"As a cyclist he participated in everything from top-level amateur racing through to leisurely cycling holidays abroad with his wife.

"Tom was a devoted father to his two young daughters.

"Our thoughts are with his wife and family at this most difficult of times.

"Falkirk Bicycle Club will continue to provide any support they can to Tom's family in the days to come."