THE wife of a man who died after his car crashed into school railings has paid tribute to a `loving husband and devoted dad'.

Father of one Stephen Lesbirel, 47, of Lynn Drive, died when his car crashed outside a school on Davenport Street.

His wife Julie said they were childhood sweethearts who met when they were 11 and had been married for 25 years.

She added: "He was always there for people - whether family, friends or colleagues - and would go out of his way to help them. Stephen was such a popular man, he will be sadly missed."

No one else was hurt in the crash, on Monday, and police are appealing for witnesses to call 0161 8568473.