THE devastated family of a man who died in a freak accident in Portishead have paid tribute to 'the friendly boy who could brighten a room'. Paul Thorogood

THE devastated family of a man who died in a freak accident in Portishead have paid tribute to 'the friendly boy who could brighten a room'.Paul Thorogood, aged 22 from Clevedon, was working to repair a stone wall in West Hill last Monday when a work van rolled back and crushed him against a wall.The former Clevedon Community School pupil was taken to the Bristol Royal Infirmary with serious injuries and despite valiant efforts to save him, he died last Tuesday afternoon.The road was closed off for most of the day while the police collision team and the Health and Safety Executive carried out investigations into the accident.In a statement released this week, his family paid tribute to Paul and described him as a person who could 'always brighten the room'.His family said: "Paul was a very popular man who had many friends through school, work and football."He was a quick witted and well humoured person who could always brighten a room with his entertaining stories."He was a friendly boy who always had time to wave and smile to the friends and neighbours."The family added: "Paul was a great lover of football and over the years he played for many teams including Winscombe Football Club and the Soccer Sixes."The family would like to thank the police, the ambulance service and everybody at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, especially accident and emergency, theatres and intensive care for their valiant efforts in trying to save Paul."He will be sadly missed by all family and friends."Paul, who was nicknamed Stretch by team mates, played football for Winscombe Football Club and as a mark of respect, weekend matches and a game against Portishead, due to be played last night, (Tues) were cancelled.Winscombe Football Club chairman Andy Flint said: "Paul had represented the club since the age of 17."He was a very talented centre half for our first team and a fantastic footballer with a personality to match. "He was liked and admired by everyone that came into contact with him. He will be sorely missed by his friends and our club."Paul's funeral will be held at South Bristol Crematorium on Friday at 11.30am and a wake will follow at The Salthouse in Clevedon.