TRIBUTES have been paid to a man described as a brilliant mechanic, who died after being involved in a three-vehicle collision just yards from his home.

Edward Grace, known to many as Ted, died at Worcester Royal Hospital on Friday, a week after the collision on the Evesham Road in Wick, near Pershore.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the smash, which took place on Friday, April 2, to step forward.

Malcolm Gartlan, of Hill and Moor, said Mr Grace was a highly-skilled mechanic who had helped him win several competitive sports and saloon car races over the years. "He was a quiet sort of man but I never heard him say a bad word about anybody," said Mr Gartlan. "He was an all-round good guy."

Mel Grinnell from Little Comberton used to play rugby with Mr Grace at Evesham.

"He was a great chap and a brilliant mechanic," he said. "He was a stalwart of Evesham Rugby Club for years, despite always being off around the country and the World with his motor racing."

Mr Grace of Frount Lodge, Evesham Road, was driving his red Vauxhall Cavalier towards Evesham when the crash happened. His car was in collision with a blue Ford Fiesta travelling in the same direction and a silver Vectra estate travelling in the opposite direction towards Pershore.

The other drivers involved in the collision were treated for minor injuries.

Worcestershire Coroner Victor Round has ordered a post mortem. At a hearing in Stourport yesterday, he opened and adjourned the inquest to a date to be fixed.

Anyone who saw the collision is asked to contact the police on 08457 444888.