TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular driver who died after his lorry struck a motorway bridge.

Peter David Morrison, from Connah’s Quay, died on July 26 when his vehicle caught fire after striking Carters Bridge on the M5 in Worcestershire, between Lydiate and Birmingham.

His children, Kelly and David, said their father was a popular local figure and would be missed.

“My dad played snooker, darts and dominos for a lot of pubs around here including The Stag in Bagillt,” she said.

“He was a navy man and had served in both the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy before becoming a driver.”

Mr Morrison, 59, had two grandchildren, Dewi, four, and Ceylan, 14-months.

Kelly, 29, said he was looking forward to becoming a grandfather again with David, 25, and his partner Colette due to have twins later this year.

She said her father loved his job and was a very experienced driver.

“My dad was born to be on the road. He had been driving for over 20 years,” she said.

“He was on his way home when his wagon hit the bridge.

“We’ve only just been allowed to bring his body home because he was very badly burned.”

Kelly and David said they would have fond memories of going on holiday to Anglesey with their father.

“He had a boat called ‘Kelvin’ which he named after me and my brother,” said Kelly.

“We used to love spending time with him in Trearddur Bay as children.”

Kelly said David would be naming his children Warren Peter David and Ella Colette after his father.

The cause of the crash is not yet known. An inquest into Mr Morrison’s death is due to be held at a later date.

His funeral will take place at Blacon Crematorium tomorrow at 10.30am. His coffin will carried to the crematorium on a lorry provided by John Shone Haulage of Buckley.