FAMILY members of a “dearly loved” great grandad have paid tribute after he died in a collision.

George Ridges, 92, died after an accident involving a car in a car park in High Road, Pitsea shortly after 1.45pm on February 6

George began his barbering career in Tilbury 58 years ago and was a wonderful husband to Shiela Ridges, father to three children, grandfather of five and also had six great grandchildren.

In a statement, his family said: “George had extraordinary knowledge and love of woodwork and built the entire furniture in their first home when he first got married to Sheila.

“He had green fingers and grew their own vegetables.

“Apparently, he had an adventurous spirit back in the late 1970s, he brewed his own wine, he also developed his own photographs and he liked word searches.

“He also loved dancing and he and Sheila would go dancing at least five times a week.

“George was in many ways all the things we are proud of - unconventional, unpredictable often very funny and we have been privileged and fortunate enough to have witnessed some incredible times.”

“No one worked harder than George and he knew every aspect of the barbering business, which is not a surprise since he started at 20 years old.”

Detectives working on the case are still asking for witnesses who have seen anything via CCTV, dash cam, or doorbell footage to contact Essex Police.

His family added: “George was married to Sheila for 72 years and they lived in Tilbury for 58 years. He lived with his wife, son and daughter-in-law.

“We would like to thank all the family and friends, One Community Development Trust, the Essex Police officers who are investigating and providing us support, and the ambulance service - you never know how much you mean to us! We are ever so grateful for your support and encouragement.

“All the family members and friends will greatly miss George very much."

If you have any information you can submit a report online at essex.police.uk or use the live hat button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm, quoting incident 654 of February 6.

You can also call Essex Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.