HUNDREDS of cards and tributes have flooded in for a Fenland man killed in a road accident.

Graham Carter, 67, died after his Citroen Xsara Picasso was involved in a collision with a lorry in Market Street, Long Sutton.

“Graham will be so desperately missed by all who knew him, especially by his wife of 44 years, his five children and his nine grandchildren,” said a statement issued by his family.

“His grandchildren knew him as Granddad ‘Grumps’ but all who knew him will recognise Graham’s rich sense of humour in that title.

“Graham was a wonderful person, he was well known for his ability to make people laugh, to help others whenever he could and to always look on the bright side of life, he was known as being the sunshine on a cloudy day.

“The hundreds of cards we have received since his death are tribute to the many good friends we have made and kept over the years.”

Mr Carter lived at Lutton near Long Sutton and was well known across the Fenland area.

His family added: “Some of the cards we have received are from young people that Graham inspired through his work with the ATC or the cubs, these say that if it had not been for Graham they would not be in the fortunate positions they are now in. “Graham was the bandmaster of the ATC band, which travelled and won competitions all over the country. He was always there for other people if they needed him.

“Graham played the bugle and the E-flat Cavalry trumpet for the six years he was in the Kings Troop Royal Artillery and retained a passion for it all his life; he travelled far and wide playing The Last Post at ceremonial events and funerals.

“Twice he was on the television and once he met the Queen when he took part in a parade in Hyde Park in 2007, he was so proud of that moment, the Queen shook his hand and spoke to him for a couple of minutes, he vowed never to wash that hand again!

“When he retired from 29 years in the MOD Police, as a Sergeant, he started to play bowls; and his love and enthusiasm for the game was infectious, he not only played but also became a coach and an umpire, he played and coached when we lived in Cornwall and since moving to Lincolnshire he was a member of the Long Sutton Indoor Bowls Club and the Moulton Harrox outdoor bowls club.

“Graham was an active, enthusiastic fun loving man who many idolised. His death has left a big hole in our lives.”

Police have appealed for anyone who was in the area of Market Street, Long Sutton before 6pm on January 31 and saw the silver Citroen Picasso or the blue Ford Iveco lorry before the collision or saw the collision itself to contact them via the witness hotline – 01522 558855.