THE family of a university student killed in a road accident paid tribute last night to their sport-loving son “who had a talent for making everyone laugh”.

THE family of a university student killed in a road accident paid tribute last night to their sport-loving son “who had a talent for making everyone laugh”.

Richard Watson, 22, was killed after being struck by a taxi on the outskirts of Colchester on Friday night as he was walking home from Essex University, where he was studying sports science.

Last night his family - parents John and Jenny Watson and his sister, Tonya - told from their home at Scarning, near Dereham, how Richard had a passion for sports, particularly Formula One motor racing, and was hoping to become a physiotherapist.

A talented sportsman, Mr Watson was coached at county level in tennis and was a regular member of Swaffham Colts Football Club, his family said.

Mr Watson developed a love for cricket and at the age of 10 became a member of Swaffham Cricket Club winning at least two trophies for his medium-paced bowling - the highlight of his cricketing career being awarded a trophy for taking six wickets for 43 runs against East Harling in June 2002.

Mr Watson's family said last night that he was quick to make friends and family laugh with his “quick one-liners and impersonations” of George W. Bush and Tony Blair.

“He enjoyed the university course immensely, finding new friends and a somewhat elaborate social life within the university,” his family said in a statement.

“His study and revision was very intense enabling him to achieve high marks in the exams he had taken.”

The family added: “Richard will be sorely missed by his family and his wide circle of friends.”

Before going to Essex University, Mr Watson had taken his A-levels at Dereham Sixth Form Centre, having being a pupil at Castle Acre Primary, Swaffham South Greenhoe Middle School, and Hamonds High School at Swaffham.

During university holidays, Mr Watson had worked at Waitrose at Swaffham.

The accident happened on the A133 in Colchester at 10.50pm on Friday night .

Despite the efforts of ambulance and medical staff, he died shortly after arriving at Colchester General Hospital.

A 36-year-old taxi driver from the Wivenhoe area of Colchester was taken to hospital suffering from shock.

n Stanway road policing unit have appealed for information for witnesses to the crash and anyone with information is asked to contact PC Dave Clarke on 01206 762512.