TRIBUTES have been paid to two "dearly loved" men killed in a double fatal crash on the A133 in Little Clacton.

William Hearn, 78, who lived in Highlands Grove, Great Clacton, and Stephen Robinson, 65, from Millwrights, Tiptree, died following the collision on May 12.

The men were the drivers of a blue BMW and a silver Ford B-Max which collided just before 3.30pm.

Mr Hearn's family said: "Bill was a dearly loved husband, father, Pops to four grandchildren, brother and friend to everyone that knew him.

"Bill was a retired Highway’s Council Inspector and enjoyed DIY, cycling and gardening.

"All the family members and friends will miss Bill very much."

Mr Robinson's family said: "Stephen was a dearly loved husband and father and friend to everyone that knew him.

"Stephen had recently retired and was looking forward to spending time with his wife and family.

"All the family members and friends will greatly miss Stephen."

No arrangements have been made at this stage for the funerals of either man.

Inquests into their deaths were opened and adjourned by Essex area coroner Eleanor McGann at County Hall in Chelmsford on Wednesday.

The men’s passengers – a woman in her 70s from the Clacton area and a woman in her 60s from the Colchester area – both suffered multiple injuries during the incident.

They were airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, and the Royal London Hospital. At the time, they were both described as being in a “serious” condition.

They both currently remain in hospital.