The widow of a man who died after his car crashed into a ditch has paid tribute to her loving husband.

Stuart Hitchisson's widow, Eileen, has spoken of "a wonderful husband". They had just moved into a new house and had been making plans for the garden.

It is thought Mr Hitchisson, 62, fell ill at the wheel of his car before the crash close to Goose Farm along Shalloak Road, Broad Oak, at 12.15 pm Monday.

Eileen said: "We had been together for more than 30 years and he was a wonderful husband – he would always make a point of asking me how my day had been.

"It is a terrible shock to lose him in this way."

The couple had just moved house in Sturry and had been making plans for their new garden.

Mr Hichisson was a member of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes and was also a freemason. He enjoyed books and reading and was studying for a history degree with the Open University.

He took his parents-in-law shopping every week and also helped out and visited regularly an elderly neighbour.

Police are apealing for anyone who may have seen Mr Hichisson’s car collide with a blue Ford Focus that was waiting to turn right into Chapel Lane at Broad Oak to come forward.

The Ford Focus driver was not injured.

The incident caused major tailbacks as Shalloak Road was closed from its junction with Broad Oak to Sweechgate until 4pm.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact police on 01622 798538.

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