Tribute has been paid to a “loving” grandfather-to-be who died in a road crash at Weeley Heath last month.

Paul Stevens, 49, was driving a Vauxhall Agila which collided with two other cars on the A133 on February 20.

Mr Stevens, from Elmstead Market, was flown to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel for treatment but died of his injuries.

In a statement Mr Steven’s family said: “Paul was a loving husband, father, son and brother, he was looking forward to his first grandchild being born and to celebrating his 50th birthday.

“On the way to his favourite pastime – his beloved boot sale – Paul was involved in a road accident and has been cruelly taken from us all.

“Paul was a truly wonderful man. He was a great role model to, and protector of, his family, whom he loved dearly.

“He always put others first, was a friend to many and was a truly loving, thoughtful and caring Christian man.

“He was fond of cartoons, pranks and Grandad jokes and his favourite quote was ‘growing old is compulsory, growing up is optional’.

“He was truly an inspiration to all of us – we could never have asked to have known and loved a greater man.”

A passenger in the Vauxhall was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, initially in a life-threatening condition. He remains in a serious but stable condition.

A Fiat 500 and a Hyundai Getz were also involved in the crash which happened by the Bentley Road bridge at 7.45am.

A 20-year-old Clacton man from the Fiat 500 was arrested on suspicion of causing death dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of drink or drugs. He has been bailed until May 31.