TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a man who died by being hit by a car as he walked along a quiet country lane.

Edwin Stribling, of Oatleys Terrace, Ledbury, had been out for a friend's hen night when he was struck by the vehicle as he walked along Worcester Road in Stonehall Com-mon near Norton, Kempsey. Friends and colleagues have contacted the Worcester News to share their memories of the 20-year-old, who they have described as "a loving, caring man, with a heart of gold."

Emma Hollings, aged 23, had invited Edwin to the traditionally female-only hen night on Saturday night. She is due to get married next week.

She said: "He was the life and soul of the party and everyone he met loved him. "He used to have these silly sayings and was forever making everyone laugh. On hot days he used to jump into a paddling pool in his work clothes. That was the kind of person he was."

Lorraine McLeod, aged 29, was another friend of Edwin's, added: "He was a fantastic friend."

Both Emma and Lorraine met Mr Stribling at his workplace. He was a care assistant at Pirton Grange Nursing Home near Wadborough.

Colleagues at the home have also being paying their respects. In a joint statement they said: "Ed was a great member of our team. He was full of fun and much loved by residents and staff alike. All are going to miss him terribly." Mr Stribling's funeral will take place at St Michael and All Angels Church in Ledbury next Thursday, at 10.30am.

l A man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drink-driving and was bailed to return to Worcester police station.