TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'kind and considerate' former teacher who died in a crash in Bridport last week.

At around 5am on Tuesday, August 4, an orange Daewoo Matiz and a white curtain-sided lorry collided on the A35. The driver of the Matiz, 75-year-old Gerald Francis Quinn of Torquay, died at the scene.

Gerald's family have paid tribute to him, who spent 30 years teaching French in Devon.

In a statement, his family said: "Gerald was a kind and considerate man who devoted 30 years of his life as a secondary school French teacher in Torbay. 

“He was a committed Catholic who lost his wife to cancer in 1988, and his daughter tragically in France in 1999.

“He will be much missed by his remaining two children, three grandchildren and wider family and friends.”

The emergency services attended the incident and road closures were put in place while collision investigators examined the scene.

Officers are still appealing for witnesses to come forward as they investigate the collision. 

Police Sergeant Dave Stroud, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “The Lorry was heading toward Crown Roundabout on Sea Road South when it collided with the car, which was heading in the opposite direction, between West Bay Roundabout and the fire station.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed this collision, or the manner of driving of either vehicle, prior to the incident, to please call me on 101.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 4:44. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.