TRIBUTES have been paid to a father-of-two who was killed in a roadside accident.

Kevin Bradshaw, 31, died when he was struck on the head by a part of a digger he was repairing.

Mr Bradshaw lived with his girlfriend Diane in West Auckland, County Durham.

Yesterday, he was described as kind and caring and "a true gentleman".

His mother Angela Bradshaw, 55, of Thirlmere Road, Darlington, said: "It's just so terrible. He loved his kids and had a lot of friends in the area.

"He was very popular and could look after himself. If anybody needed help they would come to Kevin. He would do anything for anyone. I could say anything to him and he would just smile at me and never answered me back. He was such a nice person."

Mr Bradshaw was her youngest son. He leaves two brothers, Christopher, 34, and Andrew, 36, who lives in Germany.

The accident happened as Mr Bradshaw, a plant operator with Todds Highway Maintenance Limited, Darlington, was working on a re-surfacing project in West Dyke Road, in Redcar, east Cleveland.

Yesterday, Graeme Todd, managing director of Todds, said: "Kevin was a valuable part of our team and an asset to the company. He was a true gentleman and this tragic accident should never have happened.

"We are all deeply sorry and pass our sincere condolences to his loved ones. Kevin will be greatly missed by all."

Work colleague Andrew Fletcher said: "Kevin was simply the best, a true friend and a great mate. He will be sadly missed."

Mick Peate, another co-worker, said: "He was a friend first and a colleague second, larger than life."

The accident happened at 2pm on Wednesday and Mr Bradshaw was pronounced dead at the scene. The resurfacing work began on Monday and had been due to be completed today

A joint investigation between Cleveland Police and the Health and Safety Executive has been set up.

Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to contact Cleveland Police road policing unit on (01642) 301552.