The family of a “kind” and “compassionate” man have paid tribute to him following a fatal collision near Middlewich.

Police were called to reports of a collision on the A54 Middlewich Road, close to the junction with Birch Lane, just after 4.45am on Thursday January 18.

The incident involved a White Ford Focus and two HGVs.

The driver of the Ford Focus, 37-year-old Paul Orange from Bolton, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Paul Orange grew up in Smithills and has lived in different places across Bolton.

He attended Canon Slade School.

Paul’s family said: “We are devastated at the loss of our kind, caring, and compassionate Paul.

“Paul was pleased to have begun a new job just three days before his death, and he was looking forward to an exciting new chapter in his life with his much-loved partner Julia and children.

“Many people will miss the happiness and joy Paul brought into their lives, particularly his daughter Iylah, his mother and stepfather Cath and Ian, his brother Chris, and so many friends and relatives he sadly leaves behind.

“Since his passing, many people's kind and considerate comments and actions have provided us with comfort and support as we continue to deal with our terrible loss.”

Yesterday, Paul's childhood friend Scott Wilde paid tribute to him and said "it doesn't feel real" and that he was a 'true family man'.

Click here (www.gofundme.com/f/lets-give-orange-the-send-off-that-he-deserves) to support the family.

Childhood friend Scott Wilde has since set up a GoFundMe for the family to help towards funeral costs, and as part of a collection for Iylah.

Scott and a large group of friends will be taking on a hike to Scafell Pike on Sunday February 4.

Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or visit www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us, quoting IML-1737007.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.