TRIBUTES are pouring in for Daniel Bancroft, who died in a collision on the A66 on Sunday.

His family have paid tribute to him, saying he was “was a great dad and would have done anything for anyone”.

Mr Bancroft, 37, from Cockermouth, is understood to have been walking on the A66 bypass, near Great Clifton, when he was hit by a car in the early hours of Sunday.

In a tribute issued through police, Mr Bancroft’s wife, Sarah, said: “Danny was a great dad to our daughter Fern. He was my soulmate and would have done anything for anyone”.

Mr Bancroft went to Fairfield Primary and Cockermouth School. He joined the Army after school and later returned to Cockermouth.

Friend Robert Jackson has known him since they were youngsters.

The Papcastle farmer said: "I went right through school with him. We used to play rugby together, before he went in the Army.

"He was a great lad, you couldn't wish for a a better friend. He was a devoted family man."

Mr Bancroft was working for Story Contracting at the time of his death.

Friend and work colleague Michael Rough, of Story Contracting, set up a crowdfunding page to support Mr Bancroft's family. Within the first two days it raised more than £4,500.

"Danny was witty, intelligent and the most full of life character I have had the pleasure of meeting, he was a much loved friend as well as a work colleague," said Michael.

"Danny was a well liked character within Story's who made everyone laugh and would go out of his way to help in anyway he could.

"Absolutely devastated by the loss of such a great guy, who has touched the hearts of many.

"In this difficult time our priority is to help his family as best we can."

Many tributes were placed on the crowdfunding page.

Jack Perschke wrote: "Danny was the most wonderful man. Funny, kind, strong. He was the best of the many great men I served with.

"There is nothing fair about the turns our lives take."

Andrew Prest described Daniel as "a true gent that would do owt for anyone, my thoughts go out to his family at this very sad time".

Richard Pitchford wrote: "Always a gentleman and a true Lion of England.You brought laughs and sunshine wherever you were."

The car involved was a Citroen driven by a 25-year-old man, also from the Cockermouth area.

Police continue to appeal for any witnesses to contact PC 2344 Ross on 101, or call CrimeStoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police would still like to speak to the driver of a white taxi, as a potential witness, who was seen in the area at the time of the incident.