Last updated 16:07, Wednesday, 08 October 2008

POLICE are still appealing for witnesses to a double fatal accident which killed two local men.Moving tributes have flooded in for the two West Cumbrian men who died.

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at the roadside: Floral tributes at the scene of a fatal road traffic accident on the Workington to Branthwaite road

Anyone who saw the crash, which took place just after 5.20pm, on the Lillyhall roundabout-to-Branthwaite road, on Wednesday, last week, is being asked to contact Cumbria Police on 0845 3300247.

Ian Cass, 26, of Newtown, Frizington, and Nathan Steele, 36, of Cringlethwaite Terrace, Egremont, died when their cars collided between the Lillyhall Industrial Estate and Branthwaite road’s junction with the road to Lamplugh and Asby.

A third man, who was a passenger in the Peugeot, suffered serious iunjuries and was this week said to be “stable,” in The Cumberland Infirmary, at Carlisle.

Earlier this week the police issued an urgent appeal for witnesses, say that they particularly want to trace the driver s of a blue car and 4x4 which were seen near the localtion of the accident at the time that it happened.

Mr Cass, who died at the scene was driving a red Peugeot 306 and Mr Steele was driving a Nissan Primera which was grey.

Two teams of firefighters from Workington were called out and had to use hydraulic equipment to free the three.

Mr Steele was taken to The West Cumberland Hospital and the Peugeot passenger was flown by air ambulance to Carlisle . The road was closed for four hours

Following last Wednesday’s tragedy, Mr Steele’s parents, Erica and Ian, said their son was also their best friend.

“Nathan was devoted to his family and there was nothing that was too much trouble when it came to his parents’ happiness. He was the sort of son anyone would be proud of.

“He was hard-working and dedicated in his professional life, and a fit and strong young man, passionate about running and dedicated to the great outdoors.

“His loss is too great to quantify and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”

Mr Cass’ father, John, paid his own tribute to his son.

“Ian was a lively character and a hard worker. He tried too hard sometimes but always stood by his mum.

“He was much loved and will be sadly missed by all his family.”

A funeral service was held for Mr Cass yesterday (Wednesday) and Mr Steele today, both at Distington Hall Crematorium.

Mr Steele’s family requested that only family flowers be sent and any donations should go to the Great North Air Ambulance, c/o Adams, Read and Hocking Funeral Directors, Bridge End Funeral Home, Egremont.

The Whitehaven News’ website has been inundated with tributes from the community to the two men.

Many of the tributes to Mr Cass were from residents of his home town of Frizington. Helen, Chris, Lauren and Georgia said: “Ian, your death leaves a heartache that no one can heal. Your love leaves memories no one can steal.”

Carly and Craig add: “Can’t believe your gone Ian. You were a lovely lad and you’ll never be forgotten.”

Frizington ARLFC paid their tribute: “The committee, players and coaching staff would like to send their deepest sympathy and thoughts to all of Ian’s family.”

Tributes to Mr Steele came from as far afield as Brisbane, Australia, and Ottawa, Canada. Jimmy and Kathleen Irving say: “It is with great sadness that I read the headlines on the internet. Our thoughts are with you Erica and Ian. To us he will always be the little boy next door.”

Neil Ferguson, of Egremont, calls Mr Steele “a truly honourable and remarkable young gentleman,” and Christopher Parr says: “You are a genuine hero Nathan, and we all love you”.

Dozens of flowers, messages and sympathy cards were also placed at the scene of the crash. To view all the messages visit www.whitehaven-news.co.uk