TRIBUTES have been paid to a kind-hearted delivery driver from Worcester who died when the vehicle he was travelling in exploded after colliding with a barrier on the hard shoulder of the M5.

An unborn baby girl is to be christened Angel in memory of her step-grandad Kevin Clarke, while his employers Arrow Distributors Limited are considering putting a permanent memorial outside its depot in Norton, Worcester.

Mr Clarke, aged 43, of Wakefield Close, Ronkswood, died on the northbound carriageway between junctions 11A and 12, near Gloucester, after making a delivery in Stroud, Gloucestershire, on Wednesday, May 14.

His partner of 18 years Sandra Woodman said: "He was really kind-hearted and would have done anything for anyone.

"If you were struggling with something, he would always help you out.

"In the early days, I went fishing with him, but he said I talked too much and frightened the fish. On another trip, he fell in after I moved one of his poles. He did see the funny side of it, but much later!

"I will miss him loads and I'll never forget him and the way he made the last 18 years so special for me. I hope he took those special days with him."

Step-son Christopher Woodman, also known as Tippy, described Mr Clarke as "the best step-father you could ask for".

A spokesman for Arrow Distributors, Mr Clarke's employers for eight years, said: "We are considering a permanent memorial - perhaps a tree and a stone outside the depot - but exactly what this will be is yet to be decided. Kevin will be sadly missed by everyone he worked with. It is a tragedy for everybody who knew him."

Mr Clarke, a keen supporter of Liverpool Football Club and avid fan of Meatloaf, attended Elbury Mount Infant and Junior School (now Fairfield) and then Samuel Southall School, Green Lane.

He played football for Brickfields Football Club and was a keen member of the Halfway Fishing Club, based at Claines Royal British Legion Club, Worcester. He was club champion in 2007 and a memorial trophy has now been commissioned by his family. Mr Clarke leaves four step-children, Mark, 30, Sarah, 28, Lisa, 24, and Christopher, 22.

He was also step-grandad to six grandchildren, while Lisa is expecting her fourth child who she said she will call Angel in his memory.

Mr Clarke also leaves his daughter Becky Dunn and grand-daughter Courtney.

A Humanist funeral took place at Worcester Crematorium on Tuesday.