THE children of a loving father and grandfather who died days after Christmas following a road collision have paid tribute to him.

Police attended the fatal incident involving a Vauxhall Crossland at about 7.40am last Monday just outside West Bergholt on the B1508.

Sadly, the driver of the car, 83-year-old John Sambrook, of Great Horkesley, died at the scene.

In a joint statement shared with the Gazette, Mr Sambrook’s children, Alison and Robert, said their father will be remembered for his “brilliant sense of humour”.

They said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of John Sambrook after a road traffic accident over the Christmas period.

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“John, who was brought up in Barking, is pre-deceased by his wife, Jean, who he met in the sixth form at school and they remained together until her death in 2015 of Alzheimer’s.

“John worked for many years at British Telecom and later, after early retirement, took on a role with the Job Centre. It was here he was approached to work for the Prince’s Trust.

“This was a role he found incredibly fulfilling as he had a hand directly in supporting small business owners bring their dreams into reality.

“John was loved by many who knew him, he had a very busy and active life and was very well known around the Colchester area.”

At the time of his death, Mr Sambrook was chairman of the Colchester and District Friendly Tennis League, which he had been involved with for more than 30 years.

His children added: “He was an avid sports fanatic, also enjoying watching horseracing and the football – he was a huge Leeds United fan.

“As well as being passionate about sport, he was a keen painter having belonged with the same art group for many years.

“John was a kind, loving, and supportive father and grandfather. He will be remembered for his generosity, eccentricity, quick wit and his brilliant sense of humour.”

Essex Police says it continues to investigate the incident and has appealed for dash cam footage to be sent to CollisionAppeal@essex.pnn.police.uk, quoting incident 229 of December 27.