Norfolk's director of children's services has paid a glowing tribute to a court officer who was killed in a fatal crash involving a coach and three cars.

Fakenham father-of-one Roger Fox died at the scene following the accident on the A1067 at Stibbard, between Guist and Great Ryburgh, on Friday.

His family paid tribute to the 'loving husband and proud father.'

A keen musician, gardener and traveller, who had returned from his latest trip to Italy just five days before the crash, the 56-year-old was also an important member of his local church.

In a statement released through Norfolk Police, his family said they were 'so proud of everything' he had achieved during his live.

They said: 'Roger was a loving husband of Aileen and very proud father of Katherine. He enjoyed his work as a court officer for Norfolk children's services. His concern for the welfare of children was paramount.

'Roger was a keen musician who played at his local Methodist Church and elsewhere. He was a Christian with a strong faith and was practical in the way he lived his life. He was actively involved in the life of the church.

'In his spare time he was a keen gardener and loved listening to music, especially classical. Walking by the coast was a favourite pastime. His other love was travelling with Aileen, he had been to Africa, Europe and the Bahamas. His love was Italy and he and Aileen had just returned five days earlier from a glorious two-week holiday in Lake Bolsena.

'We as a family are so very proud of everything Roger achieved throughout his life.

He will be much missed by his family, friends and work colleagues. We loved him dearly.'

Lisa Christensen, director of children's services at Norfolk County Council, said: 'Roger was a respected and valued colleague and friend to many and his loss will be felt across Children's Services. Our thoughts are with Aileen and Katherine at this very sad time.

'Roger was incredibly passionate about his job and had worked for the council for more than 20 years, helping to improve the lives of Norfolk's children and young people. His contribution led to considerable improvements in attendance levels across the county and he will be remembered for his hard work and determination to do his very best for Norfolk's children.'

Mr Fox, of Smiths Lane, Fakenham, was driving a purple Ford Focus when he was involved in the crash with three other vehicles – including a coach carrying 37 elderly day trippers.

A passenger in a green VW Golf was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital at King's Lynn with a head injury but no-one in the third car – a blue Ford Focus – was injured.

Three coach passengers were taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital with a leg injury, chest pains and facial injuries. Other passengers were treated by paramedics for shock and the coach driver suffered minor injuries to his hands.

An inquest into Mr Fox's death was opened and adjourned by deputy Norfolk coroner Jacqueline Lake.

She told the court a post mortem examination had found the cause of death to be multiple injuries due to a road traffic collision, with a secondary cause of severe coronary atherosclerosis.

Anyone with information about the crash should contact Norfolk Police's serious collision investigation team on 0845 456 4567.