FRIENDS have paid tribute to a grandfather who was killed in a three-car crash just weeks before he was due to retire on his 65th birthday.

Mervyn Walker was pronounced dead at the scene after the Reliant Robin he driving was involved in the accident on the A44 near Worcester, last Thursday.

The 64-year-old, who worked as an inspector at Worcester's Joy Mining Machinery, was due to retire on Saturday, February 9.

Longtime friend Martin Corbett said the grandfather, who lived at Whitbourne, was a "larger than life" man who took an interest in others and always had a joke to tell.

"I don't know anyone who had a bad word to say about him," he said.

"He was also a keen follower of horse racing and was looking forward to retiring. It was all he had talked about for the last year.

"He had many long-standing friends so there will be a lot of people at his funeral. He'll be missed by all those who knew him.

"He took an interest in other people and had a great sense of humour."

A spokeswoman for Joy Mining Machinery, based in the city's Bromyard Road, said staff were very upset by Mr Walker's death, adding he was a popular and highly-regarded member of staff.

"The entire workforce has been shocked and saddened," she said.

"He was a company man who was liked and respected by all. He'd worked for the company since November, 1969 and was due to retire this February.

"We send our sincere sympathy to his wife Joyce and her family in their loss."

An inquest on Mr Walker's death was opened at Stourbridge yesterday.

Worcestershire Coroner Victor Round said he died of multiple injuries in the accident at Cotheridge, and adjourned the inquest.

A funeral service will take place at Whitbourne church at 2.15pm tomorrow, followed by cremation at Worcester.