THE family of a man who died in a Whitchurch crash has paid tribute to a “true friend and gentleman”.

John Porter, of Whitchurch, died when his white Ford Escort was involved in a collision with an A-class Mercedes at 6.20am last Thursday (6). It happened at Larks Barrow Hill on the Newbury Road in Whitchurch.

The 64-year-old man’s family said: "John Porter, a true friend and gentleman tragically died in a car accident just outside Whitchurch on Thursday 6 February 2014.

“He will be greatly missed by all those that knew and loved him.

“The family would very much appreciate being left to grieve in peace."

Four other men, all from the Southampton area, who were travelling in the Mercedes, have been treated for injuries. Two sustained life threatening injuries, while the other two people sustained non-life threatening injuries. They were taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment.