TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'hard working' husband who died after his van crashed in Cumbria just days before Christmas.

Richard Johnston, who was 34, was the only person in the van when it crashed into a pedestrian crossing on Sunday, December 20 on Caldewgate, in Carlisle.

Emergency services were called to the scene and Mr Johnston was taken to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.

His family have described him as a "hard working guy" who was a friend to many.

In a statement, his family said: “Richard was a hard working guy who liked a laugh. He was originally from Lamonby but resided in Carlisle for the last 2 and a half years. He married Bernadette in Malta in June 2015 and they recently returned from their honeymoon in Barbados and St Lucia.

“Richard was a chef at Eden Golf Club, he had also worked at the Oddfellows in Caldbeck as head chef. He enjoyed travelling all over the world. Richard loved his family and was looking forward to starting his own, he was a good friend to many."

Mr Johnston is survived by Bernadette, his mother Gillian and and his stepfather Colin as well as his brother Martin and stepsister Chantelle.