Friends of a Bolton train driver have paid tribute to him following his tragic death.
Paul Rostron was driving along Smithills Dean Road on Tuesday evening (November 24) when he was involved in a crash. According to police, his Mercedes collided with a tree before hitting a stationary white Network Plus van parked near Smithills School.
Emergency services rushed to the incident at around 6pm but Paul was pronounced dead at the scene.
One of Paul's closest friends, Jason Parkinson, led the tributes to him.
Jason said: "I've known him for probably eight years now. I used to be his boss and then we moved to a different business and became closer friends.
"We have similar backgrounds in aviation and then the railway.
"He was just an amazing person, he was so pleasant and respectful. Even though he was only 34, he was a gentleman.
"He was just always so smart, so polite and didn't have a bad word to say about anybody.
"He was just really fun to be around and a bubbly person. He had so many friends.
"Road accidents are so tragic. We use cars every single day and you just never know.
"Everyone's just so shocked."
Paul worked as a train driver for TransPennine Express, having previously worked for Northern.
Jordan Gibbs also met Paul at work.
"We've been friends for five years," Jordan added.
"Paul was outgoing, friendly and would do anything for anyone. He was a good friend.
"My head's all over the place. I can't even believe I'm talking about it.
"He will be missed."
Bolton Coroner's Court confirmed that a file for Paul's death has been sent to them.
In a statement, a Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "At around 6pm on Tuesday 24 November 2020 police were called to reports of a collision on Smithills Dean Road in Bolton.
"Enquiries established that a black car collided with a tree before colliding with a stationary white van.
"Emergency services attended and the driver of the car was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
"No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing."
