FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a taxi driver crushed to death beneath a car, describing him as a devoted father who lived for his family.

Dave Ellott’s wife and three daughters should have jetted off for a family holiday in Egypt on Sunday but are instead trying to come to terms with his death.

The 43-year-old was carrying out repair works under a friend’s taxi last Tuesday when the jack buckled and the car dropped on top of him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

His wife Alisa and her brother Philip Lewis described the popular cabbie as a “dedicated family man who wanted to watch his children grow and give them the best in life”.

The keen bowler, who lived in Sherwood Avenue, Walderslade, Chatham, had been married to Alisa for 20 years and had three daughters, Natasha, 18, Rachel, 15 and Alice, aged 12. His widow said: “Dave was a loving husband and a real family man.”

He had been a keen mechanic since his teens and met Alisa while working on a car in his father's garage.

Mr Lewis said: “Dave’s whole life was centred around his family. His love for them grew day by day. He was a simple man, very caring and with lots of friends."

Mr Ellott ran his own business from home, fixing and fitting taxis with parts, but also worked at Star Taxis.

Gary Fever, who worked with Mr Ellott for more than 10 years, “Dave was a number one guy. Whenever we had a problem with one of the cars, whatever the time of day, he was there to help. He was a very genuine and down to earth man."

Mr Ellott's funeral will be held at Medway Crematorium on Monday, August 14, at 12.40pm.