DEVOTED family man Tom Cromwell died in a tragic accident when he was crushed by machinery while working in Abu Dhabi.

A memorial service is being held for 54-year-old Mr Cromwell (pictured) in his home city of Newport next Monday.

He leaves a wife Margaret (nee Notley), also formerly of Newport, two sons Lee and Jamie and two grandchildren.

His brother Brian and sister Olivia Woodward still live in Newport. "He was a very strong family man," said his brother. "And he was a keen sportsman in his younger days."

Mr Cromwell, who lived in Malpas, was educated at Brynglas School before joining Wyn's haulage company when he was 15 as a mechanic. He progressed through the firm, which was later taken over by United Transport, but when it closed down in Newport he and his family moved to Stafford.

He was promoted to transport manager and moved to Middlesborough. After working for the firm for 37 years he was made redundant and he was offered a job in Abu Dhabi as a workshop and mechanical engineer manager.

He has been working there for more than two years when he had his fatal accident earlier this month - just before his 55th birthday.

"The day before Jamie had rung his father to tell him he has just passed his driving test," said his brother.

Mr Cromwell's funeral service was held in Stafford last week and the memorial service is being held at St Mary's Church, Malpas, on Monday at 4.30pm.