THE family of tragic crash victim Dennis Brian Watts have paid a moving tribute to him, describing him as 'kind and loving'.

Mr Watts, 56, was fatally hurt when his tractor was in collision with an articulated tanker on the A35 Puddletown bypass.

He was rushed to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester but later died - the day before his son Gary's 37th birthday.

His loved ones said Mr Watts brought 'enormous joy' to the lives of all who knew and loved him.

"Dennis, you will forever be in our hearts and minds," a statement from his family said. "Rest in peace."

Mr Watts's family also thanked all the emergency services personnel involved in trying to save him after the crash.

Mr Watts lived in Manor Farm Road, Bere Regis with Jean Percy, his partner of 16 years.

He leaves behind son Gary, daughter Lisa, stepchildren Kevin, Rachel and Neil and eight grandchildren.

His untimely death came ahead of a special 2009 for his family, with the planned weddings of stepsons Neil and Kevin.

Mr Watts's family said he was an active and well-respected member of the local community.

Their statement said: "His gentle manner and selfless approach to life were truly endearing.

"Nothing will replace the huge void his death will leave in the lives of his family and friends."

Mr Watts, who worked at J V Farming near Dorchester, was described as a 'gifted and creatively minded engineer and craftsman'.

He was a Formula One motor racing fan and had a passion for country pursuits, his family said.

Mr Watts was thrown from his John Deere tractor when it was in an accident with a Belgium-registered tanker near Tolpuddle Ball on Tuesday.

St John Ambulance volunteer and fully-trained first-aider Kenneth Sims, from Hampshire, was on his way to visit family in Portland when he spotted the collision.

He crossed both lines of traffic to help by providing oxygen and bandaging before he was joined at the scene by a passing trainee paramedic and ambulance crews.

Mr Watts suffered severe head injuries and died in the Dorset County Hospital's intensive care unit later that evening.

His family thanked all the emergency services.

Their statement said: "We wish to pass on our sincere thanks to the trainee paramedic who was first to arrive at the scene of the incident and administer first aid, together with the emergency services and dedicated staff at Dorchester County Hospital, whose valiant efforts to save Dennis's life were sadly in vain."

Mr Watts's family also thanked Dorset Police's family liaison team, who broke the news to his partner Jean and have offered their ongoing support.

Their statement added: "We now hope for a speedy resolution to the police investigation into the cause of Tuesday's tragic collision, so that we can be left to mourn our huge loss and begin the unenviable task of rebuilding our lives without the man we loved so much."

The 45-year-old Belgian driver of the tanker involved in the crash has been arrested and questioned over the incident.

Police believe he left the scene and hitched a lift to Dorchester - possibly with a couple in a silver car with a disabled badge.

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 01305 222222.