TRIBUTES have been paid to a father who died after his car was involved in a collision with a lorry.

Neighbours said Peter Henry Skupien was a kind man who was devoted to his wife and two children.

Police last night charged Grzegorz Barcicki, aged 34, from Poland with causing death by driving without due care and attention.

He was held in police custody and was due to appear before magistrates today.

Mr Skupien, who lived in Morley Street, Leek and worked at the town's Morrisons supermarket, died at the scene of the collision.

Emergency crews were called to the A53 at Quarnford, near Blackshaw Moor, Leek, at 3.20pm on Wednesday when Mr Skupien's red Ford Mondeo was in collision with the HGV near Quarnford Lodge.

An inquest into the 41-year-old's death is due to be opened on Monday.

Next-door neighbour Anita Gordejczuk, said: "I was so shocked when I found out about Peter. He was such a nice man, with a lovely wife, Sam, and two beautiful children, Molly and Jack.

"He used to help me put my bins out when I was poorly and he was always asking how we were.

"I saw him in Morrisons on Wednesday morning and he came over and said hello. I just can't believe it."

Another neighbour, Joy Pegler, said: "It has been a big shock to people on this street. Peter was a lovely man, who was absolutely devoted to his family.

"He was always cheery and stopped to say hello. He used to walk his children to school and you would see him walk down the street carrying them on his shoulders."

Len Pegg, aged 49, said: "He was a really nice chap. He would stand at my gate and we would have a chat and a laugh.

"He hadn't had that car long, maybe a couple of months.

"He used to walk a lot. He would walk his kids to school and he walked to Morrisons where he worked."

Former Leek mayor Steve Povey said: "As a councillor, I know the family and my condolences go out to them. It is very tragic, especially at this time of year.

"I used to work with his father, Henry, and I was at Leek High School with his older sister Susan.

"My heart goes out to them all."

John Quinn, store manager at Morrisons in Leek, said: "Peter will be sadly missed by all of his colleagues here at Morrisons.

"He served with the company for 10 years as a warehouse operator and was a much-valued member of the team. He was always friendly and polite and was very highly thought of by all his colleagues."

Anyone with information should contact Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 4455.