TRIBUTES have poured in for a ‘happy go lucky’ young man from Coalpit Heath who died after being hit by a car on Monday.

Nick Smith died at the scene of the accident, near a lay-by on Badminton Road, just after midnight.

Police said he was a pedestrian and are appealing for witnesses.

Nick, in his twenties, worked for Tuffnells parcel delivery in Yate as a night loader and was well known in the local darts community. He was a huge Bristol Rovers supporter and also played football and cricket for local clubs including Coalpit Heath FC, Coalpit Heath Cricket Club and Hambrook Cricket Club.

Friends and family have paid tribute to the former Ridings High School pupil (now Winterbourne International Academy) on a crowdfunding page set up to help pay for his funeral.

Katie Dozier wrote: “I'm grateful for the positivity Nick brought into my life, even if only on the internet, he made my life happier on many days and I thank him for it. To Nick's family: I am very sorry for your loss, and will pray for you.”

Kat Moffitt said: "I'm still so shocked. You were one of my best friends and I love you dearly. I will never forget you Nick. May you rest in paradise beautiful xxxx"

Daniel Thorley said: “Played darts with Nick, always a good laugh lovely bloke he will be sorely missed r.i.p mate”

Rich Golding said: “Totally gutted and shocked! What a top bloke...one of the nicest persons you could meet! We had some fab laughs at Tuffnells....R.I.P BOYZAAY aka Nick Smith”

His aunt Deborah Bunting, who set up the page which raised £1,500 in the first six hours on Tuesday, said: “Nicky was a happy go lucky lad but was tragically taken from his mum and brother, so we are trying to raise as much money as possible to help his family give him the send off he deserves. Any donation would be gratefully appreciated.”

Chris Craig, from Tuffnells, said the company would be collecting money to add to the fund this week.

He said: “Nick was a very popular member of staff and will be greatly missed.”

To make a donation go to https://www.gofundme.com/24pn8kcc

The owner of burger van The Bigger Eater, which is located in the lay-by during the day, said he was not there at the time of the accident but after 20 years of running the business, he was only aware of four or five accidents on Badminton Road.

A police spokesman said: "We're appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision in Winterbourne.

"The incident took place shortly after midnight on Badminton Road when a car was in collision with a pedestrian.

"The pedestrian, a man in his 20s, died from his injuries at the scene.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 and quote reference number CI/95/16/1053.