The family of a taxi driver who died when his vehicle struck a tree have paid tribute to a "great dad".

Police have named the driver of the taxi as 55-year-old Paul Cangle from Hartlepool.

he was pronounced dead at the scene following the collision off Stockton Road westbound near to Newton Bewley in Hartlepool. His vehicle was found at 2am on Friday, October 21.

His three daughters - Lorraine, Alison and Lisa - last night released astatement through Cleveland Police.

They said: "We are deeply upset by the tragic accident that happened to our dad Paul Crangle, on Thursday evening.

"Paul was a kind, generous man who leaves three daughters - Lorraine, Alison and Lisa.

"Paul was a great dad who always wanted to be right. The thing about Dad is he always was.

"Dad loved his grandchildren and spending time with them, even though he didn’t like being called ‘Granddad’, he thought he was too young.

"Dad had a great sense of humour and liked a good laugh. He was a hard grafter but also liked a drink with his mates, even though once he’d had a drink he could be a real headache.

"All we want at this time is to be left alone, so as a family we can come to terms with our loss."

Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit on 01642-326326, quoting event number U192499.