THE FAMILY of a lorry driver who died in a crash near Raglan have described their father as a “fantastic and loving man”.

Frank Ewen Bremner, 59, who lived in Pontnewydd, Cwmbran, died after the crash on the A40 last Thursday morning.

In a statement, his family said: “Our lives will never be the same without Frank. He was a fantastic loving and supportive father, husband, uncle, brother, son and friend.

“He was loved by all who knew him and his death leaves a massive void in our lives. We will miss him greatly.”

Frank had worked for the haulage firm Eddie Stobart for about 10 years and was based at their Newport depot on the Reevesland Industrial Estate in Lliswerry.

His supervisor Ian Johnston said Frank, who was originally from Scotland, was “larger than life” and had a “wicked sense of humour”.

Ian last saw Frank when he collected a new delivery on Wednesday night last week.

Another colleague, Ashley Maddocks, said he had lost his only other lorry driving colleague at the depot and that he and the “close-knit team” there would feel his loss very deeply.

Mr Maddocks said Frank was a “really good guy”, an “absolute trooper” and his loss was “heart-rending”.

He said: “Many a time we stood there and had a coffee. To find out we had lost him last Friday was heart-breaking. He was a professional driver; a good guy all round.

“He worked for one reason only and that was his family. He was a true family man. If he wasn’t in work, he was at home and if he wasn’t at home he would be at work. He was very committed to his family life.

“If you needed help, he was there for you. He was the least selfish man I’ve ever known. He was a model employee.

“If I had my own business, I would employ him.

“You could trust Frank and rely on Frank. It was all or nothing and Frank gave his all.

“He very, very seldom even lost his cool.

“I don’t think you can replace Frank.”

Mr Bremner was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash which happened at around 11am.

The A40 remained closed southbound between Raglan and the Gibraltar Tunnels in Monmouth following the incident.

Emergency services dealt with the crash on the northbound A40 where the lorry left the carriageway and was down an embankment near to the old service station.

The southbound carriageway was closed while the air ambulance attended.