Tributes have been paid to a man who died in a road accident.

Robert Batty, 37, of Witham, died following a collision on the B1018, between Cressing and Witham, involving the motorcycle he was riding and a Ford Fiesta car being driven in the opposite direction on Thursday, August 5.

An ambulance took Mr Batty to Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford. While there, it is thought he suffered a heart attack.

In a written statement, his parents said: "He was a bright vivacious young man in the prime of his life, who had left school at an early age.

"At the age of 21, using his savings and a University grant, he gave up his work to become a full-time student and after four years obtained a doctorate in materials science."

After returning home, Mr Batty joined the Ford Motor Company at Dunton, near Basildon, where he had worked since 1997, as a senior materials engineer.

His parents added: "All of his family, fiancee Susan Brown, friends and colleagues are devastated at this tragic loss and will miss him deeply."

Susan Brown, Mr Batty's fiancee of two years, said: "Robert was a very special and wonderful man. We met through a shared interest in amateur dramatics."

People wishing to pay their respects or send flowers or cards should do so at Richard's Funeral Service, Newland Street, Witham. A funeral service will be held at Witham church on Thursday.

Published Monday August 16, 2004

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