A HEARTBROKEN family has paid tribute to a “caring, loving and thoughtful” young man from Clacton who died following a crash near Manningtree.

Jamie Johns, 20, died after his black Fiat Punto collided with a Volvo tipper truck.

The collision happened on the B1035 Clacton Road in Horsley Cross at 7.30am on Thursday, June 30.

In a statement issued today, his family said: "Our darling son Jamie tragically passed away on Thursday, at such a young age of 20.

"He was a caring, loving and thoughtful young man who had a heart of gold.

"He will be deeply missed by his family, fiancé, friends and all who knew him.

"His passion was for motorbikes, riding them and he had his dream job of working in the industry.

"He loved life and enhanced so many people's lives with his warm personality and customary smile.”

Mr Johns was a former Clacton County High School pupil and also studied electrical engineering at Colchester Institute before going on to work at Lings Honda in Ipswich.

Mr Johns was sadly pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

The Fiat’s engine caught fire but was quickly extinguished.

Any witnesses to the collision who have not yet spoken to police are asked to contact PC Darrin Lee, at the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, on 101 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk