THE parents of a tanker driver, killed when his vehicle fell 50ft onto a railway line, have spoken of the son who was "always ready with a smile".

Peter Williams was killed on Wednesday morning when the gas tanker he was driving plunged off a bridge in Wolsingham, County Durham.

Last night, relatives and friends spoke warmly of the 25-year-old keen footballer who had only just learnt this week he had been promoted to captain of his team.

The former Eastbourne School pupil from Smithfield Road, Darlington, had joined the RAF at 19, where he served for three years, during which time he qualified to become a lorry driver.

Speaking from their home, Janet and Mark Williams, said their son's death had left a terrible void in the lives of all that knew him.

Mrs Williams said: "He was well-known and liked by everyone. He was the sort of lad anyone could get on with, always ready with a smile and keen to help."

Mr Williams, who retired from the Army after 24 years, added: "His death has hit everyone hard and it will take a long time to come to terms with it. He was an ideal son.

"He and his 19-year-old brother Simon were very close and the death has hit him hard."

A keen Everton supporter, he played for a number of teams around Darlington including Darlington RA, Real Barca and latterly Sherwoods.

Scott Chapel, Sherwoods manager, said he had just told Mr Williams this week he would start the new season as team captain.

"He was an absolutely cracking lad, he was good with absolutely everybody he met," said Mr Chapel. He was really professional and always gave 110 per cent.

"The lads are really going to miss him, he was a good friend to a lot of them, and his death will leave a massive hole with his team-mates."

Out of respect, Sherwoods have cancelled a game this Sunday and plan to organise a minute's silence for the first league game of the season.

Mr Chapel said the club was also thinking about organising a memorial trophy in his honour.

In Wolsingham, families evacuated from their homes were allowed back after ten hours, at 7.30pm on Wednesday.

Recovery specialists worked late into the night to remove the stricken tanker to a secure garage, where it is being examined by accident experts.

Before 9am yesterday, Weardale Railway volunteers were on the line examining the damage to the track and repairing a buckled section.

Weardale Railway managing director Steve Raine said: "We are hoping that if all goes to plan we can run the second scheduled train of the day at 12.30pm."

An inquest is due to take place at 9.30am today at the office of the South Durham Coroner, in Elliot Street, Crook.