The family of a head teacher killed in a crash on the M5 have been remembering a wonderful husband, father and friend.

Daniel Slinn, 44, died after the accident, near Tewkesbury, on May 3,. 2008.

His wife Lisa, and daughters, Beth, 16, and Carrie, 11, said he was a caring man who had time for everyone.

They said: "Dan was a wonderful husband, father, brother, son, son-in-law and friend. A very positive person, he was a huge part of the lives of many people, who have so many good things to say about him."

Born and raised in Northampton, Daniel studied English at Birmingham University before taking a job at Summerfield Primary School in Birmingham, where he met his wife. He then became head teacher of Cromwell Primary School before joining Calshot Primary School 18 months ago.

His eldest daughter Beth said he was a great dad.

She said: "He was determined to provide the very best for his family and everyone around him, all of whom will remember the gifts of happiness, humour and love he gave us. He was always a lot of fun, liked to think he was a great dancer and he made the best sandwiches for us to take to school every day.

He was often worried that he embarrassed my sister and me, but of course he never did."

Carrie added; "He was a very selfless man who always cared for us and everyone he met. Dad had been teaching me how to play cricket with him and he loved being in the garden and building sandcastles on the beach.

"He was in the middle of writing a children's book, which we are going to finish off for him. It could be the next Harry Potter."

The crash happened when a van carrying beer kegs crossed the central reservation of the M5 and collided with Mr Slinn's car, who was declared dead at the scene.

The driver and passenger of the white VW van, who were also declared dead at the scene, were husband-and-wife Harbinder Singh Dosanjh, 36, and Manjit Kaur Dosanjh, 35, from Coventry.

The ensuing pile-up led to a further 18 injuries among drivers and passengers.