THE Ebbw Vale man who died after he was in collision with a car lost his wife and step-daughter in a road accident 12 years ago, his family said.

Tony Padfield suffered fatal head and chest injuries in the incident involving a Land-Rover Freelander at Church Hill in the town, at about 10.30pm last Thursday. He was 53.

A family statement said Mr Padfield had never recovered from the death of his wife Allison and step-daughter Rachel, and turned to alcohol to help him through the difficult times.

He leaves a step-son, Matthew, and daughter Amy.

The family statement released yesterday said: "He was a quiet boy when he was younger.

"He very much enjoyed playing darts and won many tournaments and trophies.

"He was a keen sportsman and played rugby for Cwm Rugby Club for some 15 years.

"Tragically, he lost his wife and step-daughter in a road traffic collision 12 years ago. "Tony found life difficult after this and did tend to drink to soften the pain. "Throughout these difficult years he remained a loving step-father to Matthew and father to Amy and a good and loving brother to Malcolm, Harry and sister Sharn.

"He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends."

Malo Williams, owner of Cwm Sports and Social Club, said: "Tony and I were brought up together and he loved his rugby and his darts.

"It's a very unfortunate thing to happen to the family because Tony lost his wife 12 years ago when she was going to work at the hospital.

"He was a very good worker. He worked on the ashcarts for years but after the accident he lost his job and he took to the drink a little bit. "It did change his life. Tragically he never recovered from that. He'd become a bit of a loner who'd go wherever things took him.

"It does seem to be one thing after another for the family and all of us here would like to offer our deepest sympathies."

Witnesses to the collision are asked to contact Gwent Police on 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.