DEVASTATED family, friends and colleagues of a popular man killed in a horrific smash near Norwich have paid an emotional tribute to him.Matthew Jones, 24, died when his car crashed into a garden wall in Wroxham Road, Rackheath in the early hours of Good Friday as he was on his way to work.

DEVASTATED family, friends and colleagues of a popular man killed in a horrific smash near Norwich have paid an emotional tribute to him.

Matthew Jones, 24, died when his car crashed into a garden wall in Wroxham Road, Rackheath in the early hours of Good Friday as he was on his way to work.

He lived with his family in Stalham and was on his way to an early shift at Norwich International Airport where he had worked for two years.

Dozens of flowers, poems and tributes have been placed at the accident spot as grieving friends and relatives - including his girlfriend of six years, Holly Wilde - struggle to come to terms with his death.

Today his distraught mother, Adele Jones, told the Evening News: “Matthew was our darling son. He was caring, loyal and funny, and we were very proud of him.

“He was home-loving, and his family and friends were the most important things in his life, together with his chinchillas and Golden Retriever. Now we have lost him and we are so, so sad. Our family will never be the same again. We are absolutely bereft.”

Matthew had three sisters, Bryonie Jones, 39, Lowri Norris, 37, and Hannah Redding, 29, and two brothers, Alex Jones, 21, and James Jones, 19. He was also close to his dad David.

His large extended family also included three close brother-in-laws as well as eight nieces and nephews. He had many nicknames amongst family and friends, including Jonner and Mojo.

According to his family he was very talented and quite a private person, who enjoyed his computer and watching films, had time for everyone and enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his family and many friends.

Sister Hannah said: “I am absolutely devastated, the whole family is in such pain. He was loved so much, and by so many, it is almost too much to bear.

“He was such a fantastic soul, witty, friendly and helpful, always so generous with his time. You couldn't have wished for more in a brother or a friend, and he was both to me. Things can never been the same again.”

His girlfriend Holly, 21, said: “Jonner was the most loving, caring partner, he treated me like a princess. I am honoured to have been with him for six happy, amazing years. He was my true love and I know we would have been together for all time.

“He made everyone around him so, so happy and the love he gave me will last a lifetime. We enjoyed the most simple pleasures, just spending time in each others company. I will love him for all time.”

His two other sisters Lowri and Bryonie described Matthew as a “sweet and lovely” brother and said they were fortunate to have had him in their lives.

Matthew had worked at the airport for two years as an apron handler, which means he was responsible for marshalling of aircraft, baggage handling and general turnaround of aircraft. People who worked with him described him as “lovely, reliable and considerate”.

The team from Norwich Ground Operations department at the airport, which comprises about 30 workers, released a joint statement, which read: “Matthew was a true team player with a heart of gold. He was as young man who always had a smile on his face and was extremely well liked due to the selfless nature of his personality.

“The two years we spent working together will never be forgotten as he was a true diamond.”

Jane Ellis, duty terminal manager, said: “Matthew was more than a colleague to those closer to him at Norwich Airport. He was good at his job and he was also a lovely lad - considerate, friendly and very reliable.

“I want to say really that he will be sadly missed by all his friends and colleagues. As many of them will go to the funeral as possible so they can pay their respects.

“We want to pass on our sincere condolences to Matthew's family and our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time and extremely sad time.”

The accident happened just after 5.15am on Friday, April 10, close to the junction with Swash Lane. It is the second tragedy to have occurred there in the past six months.

More than 20 bouquets of flowers have already been placed outside the two houses in Wroxham Road near the crash scene, as well as tributes.

The family said they were keen to express their thanks to Norfolk police. Mrs Redding said when she drove to the scene of her brother's accident she had “never been treated with such kindness” by police officers.

If you witnessed the accident or have any information call 0845 456 4567.