TRIBUTES have been paid in court to the Worcester judge who tragically died when his car was swept away by floodwater.

Judge Eric Dickinson was described by Mr Justice Macfarlane as a man who had "absolutely no side, no pomposity or stuffiness" and was comfortable with everyone he met.

He had a huge capacity for work, poured over his law books to loud, classical music and went out of his way to help the witness service and victim support group.

Judge Dickinson would even take on the role of usher some lunchtimes so that court staff would be free to take their midday break.

The 68-year-old, who lived at Leigh, near Worcester, was a local solicitor with Harrison Clark for 17 years before being appointed a judge.

His first stint was in the West Midlands but in 1992 he transferred to the Worcester district.

Mr Justice Macfarlane told a packed Worcester Crown Court that all who knew him shared a common loss and were shocked by his sad death, as he drove home from court in Evesham on June 25.

He added: "He used his common sense and common humanity as much as the law in deciding the merits of a particular case.

"He was a fantastic judge on whom we relied for advice. He always had a smile in his eyes.

"Our hearts go out to his widow Gill and the family. They have the suppport of all here at the grimmest of moments."

District Judge Phillip Mackenzie said Judge Dickinson supported the underdog because of a strong belief in fairness. Above all else he was "a people person" and "a truly lovely man who could light up a room".

Barrister Anthony Lowe said the judge was a true friend to the Bar who always tried to get a negotiable settlement rather than one imposed by the court.

Solicitor Jonathan Brew added: "He treated everyone with respect whatever their position in life. He was a man with a generous spirit."

Judge Dickinson's inquest will be held at Stourport today and his funeral will be held at St Andrew's Methodist Church, Pump Street, Worcester, on Friday at noon.