An Ellesmere Port food charity has paid tribute to one of its members of staff, who died in a bus crash on the M53 motorway on Friday.

Dad-of-two Stephen Shrimpton, aged 40, died after it was reported that a bus had struck a reservation near Junction 5 and overturned.

It is understood Stephen grew up in the Chester area and was a former pupil of Blacon High School.

An online fundraiser set up by sister-in-law Emily Church to help pay for Stephen's funeral costs has seen donations swell past £11,000. The fundraising page said Stephen suffered medical issues at the wheel while driving pupils to Calday Grange and West Kirby Grammar Schools.

The Port Grocery Community Interest Company has now paid tribute to Stephen.

In a statement posted on its social media page, the company said: "It is with enormous sadness that we The Port Grocery wish to pass their deepest sympathy to Steve's wife Tania, children Holly, Tate and all family of Stephen Shrimpton, affectionately known as 'Shrimpy' by his friends at the grocery.

"'Shrimpy' started as a volunteer and because of his commitment and care for his community led to him becoming a full-time member of staff.

"His proudest moment was during the pandemic, when he received the NHS clapping at 8pm when he set off on his evening food collections on behalf of the TPG, helping to keep over 700 people fed during those unprecedented times.

"Steve was a character with compassion and willingness to help and support strangers and would talk for England. He will be sadly missed and it is a honour to have him as part of our family team.

"Goodnight god bless...fly high big man xx"

The Port Grocery added that donations for Stephen can be made on the GoFundMe page set up or via a donation box at The Port Grocery in Rivington Road, Ellesmere Port.

Stephen's family said: "Stephen sadly passed away in a traffic accident.

“Stephen was a loving husband and father to his wife and his wonderful children, a caring and thoughtful man who would always prioritise others over himself.

“Stephen will be sadly missed by all his friends and family. The family have requested privacy at this devastating time.”

West Kirby Grammar schoolgirl Jessica Baker, 15, understood to be from the Chester area, also died as a result of the collision.

Her family released her image yesterday and requested that their privacy is respected at this time.

Chester and District Standard: Jessica Baker

People can donate to Stephen's fundraiser at https://www.gofundme.com/f/d8c3p-stephen

Merseyside Police said a total of 58 people were involved in the incident including the two fatalities.

Two children were taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital with serious injuries and another two casualties were treated at Wirral’s Arrowe Park Hospital, with others taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital.

One of those injured is a 14-year-old boy who has suffered life-changing injuries, said police.

Others involved in the incident were treated at an emergency training centre in Wallasey, with 13 treated for minor injuries before they were released.

Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “The thoughts of everyone at Merseyside Police remain with those who were affected by the tragic incident yesterday.

“The families of Stephen and Jessica are being supported by specially trained officers and we are working with both schools and Wirral and Cheshire West Councils to ensure the necessary trauma support is in place for the children who were affected.

“We continue to investigate the circumstances of this incident and we are appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident or have any information to please let us know.

“We also urge those who were driving near the incident to check your dashcam footage. Any information no matter how small could help the investigation.

“Motorists are also advised that the section of the M53 that was closed following the incident yesterday has now reopened.”

Anyone with information about the collision is asked to call the Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0151 7775747 or SCIU@merseyside.police.uk or contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook quoting reference 23000944471.