Tribute to 'hero' grandad after fatal collision

The family of a man who died after a collision in Staffordshire has paid tribute to their "hero", who they say had "a heart of gold".

Emergency crews were called to Pennine Way, at the junction of Ealingham, in Tamworth on 30 July, following reports of a collision between a Nissan Juke and a Ford van.

Graham Barlow, 77, the driver of the Nissan, was taken to hospital with serious injuries and died on 9 August, Staffordshire Police said. The van driver did not require treatment.

Barlow's family said they would "treasure the memories we have of him". Police have appealed for anyone with any information or dashcam footage to contact them.

In a statement, through police, the family said losing such a wonderful man had left relatives and his widow "shattered".

"Our husband, dad, grandad and great-grandad was truly one of the best men you could ever have the privilege of knowing," they said.

"A lovely gentleman with a heart of gold, who always put others before himself. He was our safety, our hero and the heart of our family.

"He was loved by so many and will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, wider family, friends and everyone who knew him."

Barlow, from Tamworth, dedicated his time to helping others with the local community and "always looked out for those who needed a helping hand."

"To have such a wonderful man taken from us far too soon in such an awful tragedy has shattered us all," they added.

"There are simply no words to express the depth of our heartbreak or the emptiness his loss has left behind."

The family continue to be supported by specialist officers at this time, the force added.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.