THE family of a man killed in a car crash have paid tribute to their “gentle giant”.

Christopher Janson, 26, died following a collision between two cars on Brooms Lane, between the Jolly Drovers roundabout and Stony Heap, Consett at around 9pm on Sunday.

The father, from Harelaw Gardens, Harelaw, Stanley, was taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary but died from his injuries.

Mr Janson's parents Brian and Jayne sad: “We have lost a precious son, a loving brother to Emma and Daniel and an adored father to his son Riley.

“Known to all his friends as CJ, he was a gentle giant with a huge heart and will be sadly missed by everyone.”

Mr Janson was driving a red Peugeot 206, which collided with a blue Ford C-Max.

The driver of the C-Max was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham with minor injuries.

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident or who may have witnessed the collision.

Please contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 0191-375-2159 or by dialling the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference 564 of May 28.