The family of a Weston father-of-four who died in a car crash have paid tribute to a “loyal man who loved life”.

Shane Willett died in a collision on Hitchin Road, Weston, on October 26, leaving behind his mum and dad, Trisha and Kevin Willett, sister Emma, younger brother Jordan and partner Harriet Weeks.

He had a daughter, Kayleigh, 12, and six-year-old son, Hayden, with a previous partner and two-year-old Roman and one-year-old Rex with Harriet.

Shane lived in Hatfield, Letchworth and Stotfold, before moving to Weston.

Trisha, Kevin, Emma and Jordan have released the following statement: “Our beautiful boy Shane died in a tragic car accident in the early hours of October 26, exactly a week after his 36th birthday. His death has devastated us all.

“Shane was a very loyal man who loved life. He was very family-orientated and cared so much for others. He loved going to the gym, playing football and riding his motorbike with his dad and his mates. He was an avid supporter of Arsenal Football Club.

“Shane went to Radburn Primary School and then Knights Templar in Baldock. After leaving school he worked as a postman for a number of years before working for Balfour Beatty and Essential Water Services in Letchworth repairing burst pipes in underground water mains.

“But he loved driving and decided to undertake heavy goods vehicle driver training. After getting his HGV1 licence he got a delivery driver job working for Allied Bakery in Stevenage – a job he loved.

“Shane was ambitious and wanted to drive large tanker lorries, which require a special ADR licence for driving with dangerous or hazardous loads. In the week before his collision he had taken this ADR test and was awaiting the results. Sadly he will never know if he had passed.

“Shane was a well-loved man and his passing has touched and affected so many people. We were so proud to call him our son and our brother. He was a wonderful dad, he took care of his family and was very protective.

“He has broken our hearts and our lives will never be the same without him. Shane, you will always be remembered and never forgotten. Rest in peace.”

A funeral service for Shane will take place tomorrow at 1.45pm in St Mary’s Church, Stotfold. Friends of his are welcome to attend. The family have asked for friends not to pay for flowers, but they can contribute to a collection for Shane’s children.