A FAMILY have paid tribute to a 'fiercely loyal' man who was an integral part of their lives, after he died in a crash on the A66 last week.

Thomas Hurst, who was fondly known as Norman, was from the Silloth area.

Mr Hurst, aged 84, was the driver of a Citroen Picasso which was involved in a collision on the A66, near Thornthwaite.

Police were called at 9.05am on Friday, March 1 following a report of a two-vehicle collision involving a red Citroen Picasso and a white Vauxhall Combo van.

A passenger in the Picasso, a woman in her fifties, and the driver of the van, a man in his thirties, were taken to the Cumberland Infirmary with serious injuries. The woman has now been discharged from hospital.

In tribute, Norman’s family said: “The sudden and unexpected loss of Norman has come as such a shock, as he was an integral part of our lives.

“Norman was a joiner and worked for Lakeland Stone Craft for many years before retiring. He was a hard worker and took pride in building a life for his family.

“He enjoyed many trips to Tenerife, which are memories we will treasure as a family. Norman lived life to the fullest.

“He was a fiercely loyal man, who would do anything for those closest to him. His unique sense of humour will not be forgotten.

“Norman will be greatly missed.”

Anyone with any information, who witnessed the collision, or saw the vehicles before the incident, are asked to contact police.

They should contact Detective Sergeant Deb Story or Detective Constable Vanessa Busby on 101 – or email SCIU@cumbria.police.uk quoting log 63 of March 1, 2024.