Tributes have been paid to a “much-loved” father of two who died in a collision involving two cars.

Colin Evans, 70, died after a silver Honda Jazz and a red Vauxhall Vivaro van, which were travelling in opposite directions, collided on the A414 near Ongar.

He lived in Pudding Lane, Chigwell, for almost 40 years before recently moving to Brentwood.

His daughters Emma and Melodie said in a joint statement he “was a keen follower of the arts, and often painted scenes in the Impressionist style.

“He was passionate about classic cars, loved playing golf with his friends at Theydon Bois Golf Club and supported West Ham since his boyhood.

“He loved to visit France, having driven to most parts of the country, and often holidayed in Provence with his family.”

Colin recently retired as a chartered surveyor and ran his own estate agency firm in Islington for 40 years.

His wife Lynne died in 2009.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the May 23 collision including an off-duty nurse who helped at the scene. She is believed to have been wearing black.

They also want to talk to the driver of a dark coloured sports car who may have stopped and then driven off in the direction of Chelmsford.

He is described as black, in his 30s, of slim build and with cropped hair.

He was wearing smart, but casual clothes.

If you have any information you can call officers at the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 or by email at collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk and quote incident number 0726 of May 23.