A family has paid tribute to a father-of-two killed in a horse and trap crash.

Michael Bates died in a collision with a Mazda car in Lieutenant Ellis Way, near Waltham Cross, on October 1 at 7.10pm.

A woman in her 20s in the trap who was also killed has not been identified.

Mr Bates, 41, lived in Potters Bar and grew up in Waltham Cross with his parents, two sisters, Julie and Katie, and his brother Robert.

As a child he went to Hurst Drive Primary School in Waltham Cross before moving on to Turnford Secondary School in Mill Lane.

Mr Bates met long term partner Melissa Vyse when he was 19. They had two children, George, now 20, and Grayce, 15, and moved to Potters Bar.

A greengrocer like his father, Mr Bates ran a stall in Wood Green, Haringey, which is now run by his son.

His family said he was a joker who loved having a laugh, and would always help anyone who found themselves in trouble.

A dedicated family man who enjoyed holidays with his partner and their children, Mr Bates also liked going to horse shows with his family.

Both of his grandfathers were well known horsemen and Michael spent his early years with horses in the company of his father.

He passed his passion onto his daughter, whom he loved taking to shows where he would watch Grayce on her pony.

Mr Bates would also watch his son George race in motocross.

Mr Bates’ family and friends have been left devastated by his death and ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.

They want to thank the man who was first at the scene of the collision and gave first aid and would also like to thank members of the emergency services who attended.