TOUCHING tributes have been paid to a much-loved man who died following a crash a short distance from his Southbourne home.

Commercial estimator Robert Matthews, 33, was at the wheel of his silver Volkswagen Golf before the vehicle veered into two parked cars on Southbourne Grove at around 6.25pm on Monday.

Despite attempts by shocked pub-goers and passers-by to save him, Mr Matthews was pronounced dead a short time later at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

In a statement his heartbroken family said: “Rob was a wonderful son to his mother Pam and has been a tower of strength since losing his father six years ago.

“He was very proud to have given Pam away at her wedding last year. He was best friend to his sister Sarah and was always at the end of the phone. Rob was the soul mate to Sarah, his girlfriend, who he loved dearly.

“He will be sadly missed by his family, his girlfriend’s family and his friends; particularly the boys, who say the world will be a duller place without him.

“Rob was loved by all who knew him; he was popular, clever and had a great sense of humour. We all miss you, ‘forever young Robert.’”

The Matthews family expressed their “heartfelt thanks” to members of the public, police, paramedics and staff at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital for the assistance they had given Robert following the collision. It is believed Mr Matthews died from natural causes.