The family of a motorist killed in a crash have paid tribute to him.

Tom Woodward, 25, of Birches Croft Drive, Macclesfield, died when the Renault Megane he was driving was in a collision with a Vauxhall Corsa on Macclesfield Road in Eaton on Monday, June 27 at 6.15pm.

He was known affectionately as Pecker by his friends. In a tribute his family said: “Tom returned at Christmas after having spent four wonderful years working and travelling around New Zealand, Cambodia and Thailand.

“Tom made an impact wherever he went as he was such an amazing young man, loved by everyone.

“On Tom’s return he went to work for his dad at L Woodward & Sons and at the Plough pub at Eaton in the evenings and weekends.

“Tom’s aim was to save enough money to return and travel around Australia.

“He was a wonderful young man, loved by so many, he will be greatly missed.”

Jose Lourenco, co-owner of the Plough with Nathan Jordan, said: “He was a valuable member of the team and popular with the locals. When people came to the pub after a long day, Tom would chat to them, have a laugh. He really brightened people’s days.

“As a team we are devastated by his death.

“He was an asset to the pub, to the village and we will remember him fondly.”

Tom worked as a barman at the pub.

His family said that Tom was the ‘much-loved’ son of Beth Peacock and Allan Woodward, and step-son of Michael Peacock and Stephanie Woodward.

He leaves three ‘adoring sisters’, Penny Woodward, Emily and Harriet Peacock and brothers Joseph and Jason Peacock.

Tony Billings, headteacher at All Hallows where Tom used to be a pupil, said he was saddened to hear of his death.

He added: “Thomas was a former student of All Hallows Catholic College, leaving in 2007 with 11 GCSEs.

“Tom was a well-liked student who was a good class member. He was always attentive, thoughtful and enjoyed his lessons. He was always keen to give his opinion on any discussion topic in class.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Childhood friend Samantha Hulse said: “Tom aka Pecker was such an amazing guy.

“He always knew how to make you laugh.

“He has been taken too soon but we will never forget all the childhood memories we have.”

All the passengers of the Corsa, which included a woman, man and two children, were taken to Royal Stoke Hospital.

The woman had serious injuries, while the man and children suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Anyone with information can contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 804 of June 27.

An inquest into Tom’s death was opened and adjourned on July 4.