����ý

The families of three people who died while travelling home from an agricultural show say they will be "deeply missed."

Andrew Carless, 44, his uncle Dennis Smith, 71, and partner Claire Stride, 64, all died after being involved in a collision with a van on the A303 in Somerset on the way home from the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show earlier this month.

Mr Smith was judging the show's supreme dairy championship category, and his death has been described as a "tragic loss to cattle showing and judging."

Mr Carless' family said he "spent the day doing what he loved most" with his uncle, while Ms Stride has been remembered as a "huge lover of animals."

The A303 near Whitelackington was closed for a number of hours following the crash on 15 August.

Avon and Somerset Police said the two people in the van went to hospital with one having sustained a suspected life-changing injury.

The family of Mr Carless, who was born and raised in Gloucester, said he was a "generous and thoughtful" man with a passion for rugby and the countryside.

“He was incredibly proud of his family and loved to talk about them to everyone he met," they said.

“He loved a pint of cider at The Farmer’s Club, cooked a great roast dinner and enjoyed having a family Sunday drive out to a good farm shop for a frothy coffee and a fresh cream eclair.

“He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.”

Mr Smith's family said he enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a renowned dairy farmer and cattle breeder.

They said: “He adored his three grandchildren, who equally adored him.

“He has left behind his two remaining brothers, a sister, a son-in-law, two daughters, two granddaughters, a grandson, nieces and nephews, in-laws, as well as many, many great friends.

“As a family we keep hearing him referred to as a legend. He was certainly a legend to us.”

The Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show released a statement, saying: "Our thoughts are with friends and family at this time. It's a tragic loss to cattle showing and judging and a sad moment for the Holstein breed."

Ms Stride, from Devon, was a huge lover of animals according to her family.

They said: “Claire was sociable, fun, charming, and the most loyal friend to many.

“She was famous for her crossword wins! She was fluent in Greek, loved to craft, and made legendary preserves.

“Claire always had a pet of some sort and loved horse racing."