Nigel Hawtin's family have been inundated with cards, flowers, text messages and letters from family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues and those who knew him through his sporting achievements.

Sue, his wife of 28 years, said: "We have been absolutely overwhelmed by all the kind words and tributes."

The support has brought comfort not just to Sue and their sons Paul and James, but also to the extended family as well with their stories of someone who was never afraid to try something new – be it canoeing, mountain biking or playing the guitar.

His brother Neil said Nigel was known for being a lot of fun – a larger than life character.

"He got away with all sorts of things that no one else would have got away with," said Neil.

Respected and well-known within the Derbyshire and Cheshire Cricket Leagues, Nigel, who was born and brought up in Chapel, had played football in his youth and had been a successful cricketer.

Paul said: "It was a massive part of his life from when he was young to date really."

Nigel, 52, of Bagshawe Avenue, had helped coach an Under 16 football team in Whaley Bridge and the Under 17 Cricket Team at Chapel.

"He took youngsters under his wing and passed on his experience," explained James.

"He always looked after the ones who tried the hardest and encouraged them to succeed" said Sue.

He had also passed on his skills and talent to James, with whom he had the opportunity to play alongside He enjoyed spending time with his sons and supporting them in their interests.

Paul said: "He left a lasting impression on everyone he met."

An engineer and skilled lathe turner, Nigel began as an apprentice at H and T Mellor's, working for the firm for 17 years, before moving to Ferodo, now Federal Mogul, 19 years ago.

For the last six months Paul had been working alongside his father at Federal Mogul. "We got to work as father and son as well as friends," said Paul.

A keen cyclist, Nigel died after a collision involving a BMW X3 vehicle on the A6 Chapel By-pass – a road he had cycled on an almost daily basis since it opened.

He even took part in the opening of the by-pass with a charitable wheelchair push supporting the MS Society.