TRIBUTES have been paid to three people who tragically died after a crash on the A303 last month.

The incident happened near the village of Whitelackington at around 3.30pm on Thursday, August 15, after a crash involving a Skoda Yeti and a van.

The two occupants of the van attended hospital, with one having sustained a suspected life-changing injury.

Three people in the car – Andrew Carless, his uncle Dennis Smith and Claire Stride – sadly died at the scene.

“We continue to provide them with support and our sympathies are with them,” an Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said.

Now, the families have issued tributes in memory of their loved ones.

Andrew Carless, 44, was born and raised in Gloucester and was described as a “generous, thoughtful man”.

He had a passion for rugby and the countryside and the family said they took great comfort that Andy had spent the day doing what he loved the most – at the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show with relatives.

“As well as his wife, Tina, who he married in 2016, Andrew leaves behind his two daughters, 15-year-old Hannah and 13-year-old Beth, his mother, Violet, sister, Rachael, and father, Keith; and a close-knit and loving extended family of in-laws, nephews and nieces, cousins and more,” they added.

“He was incredibly proud of his family and loved to talk about them to everyone he met. He was a generous, thoughtful man who had a smile, a joke, a kind word and a helping hand for everyone.

“He loved a pint of cider at The Farmer’s Club, cooked a great roast dinner and enjoyed having a family Sunday drive out to a good farm shop for a frothy coffee and a fresh cream eclair.

“Andrew also adored his labradors and was rarely seen without one of his dogs at his heels.

“He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.”

Dennis’ family said he enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a renowned dairy farmer and cattle breeder.

He was also a well-respected judge of dairy cattle at many shows across the United Kingdom and Ireland, which is the role he had been carrying out at the show.

The 71-year-old, who retired to Corfe, near Taunton, remained incredibly busy even during his retirement, his family said.

He enjoyed horse racing, countryside walks most days as well as socialising with friends old and new.

Dennis Smith was a legend in the farming community. Picture: Avon & Somerset Police

“He adored his three grandchildren, who equally adored him,” they added. “He left behind his two daughters, brothers, sister, son in law, two granddaughters, grandson, nieces and nephews, in laws as well as many many great friends.

“As a family we keep hearing him referred to as a legend. He was certainly a legend to us.”

Claire, 64, hailed from Devon and was a huge lover of animals, her family said.

“Claire was sociable, fun, charming, and the most loyal friend to many,” they added. “She was famous for her crossword wins. She was fluent in Greek, loved to craft, and made legendary preserves.

“Claire always had a pet of some sort and loved horse racing. Claire and her twin brother Shaun reunite in the heavens above.

“She is survived by her adoring parents, sister, and other family members, friends, and, very importantly, her beloved cat, Bird.”