A mechanical broom driver died at the wheel of his vehicle in Croydon after suffering a heart attack.

Albert Bance, known as Bert, crashed his sweeper into railings along Tamworth Road after suffering a cardiac arrest on November 10 but no one else was injured.

Speaking at the family home in New Addington, the 58-year-old’s wife Lesley said Bert was a “diamond” who put his family first.

She said: “He was a rough diamond but I smoothed the edges.

“He always said what he felt and what you saw was what you got. But he was a real character who was always up for a laugh.

“He had a heart of gold and would give you everything.”

Daughter Emma, 35, said Bert was the “heart of the family”.

She said: “He did not think about himself. He always put his family first no matter what.

“None of us have come to terms with it and it will take a long time.

“It has left a big hole in this family.”

Lesley, who is registered disabled, said she was overwhelmed by the number of people who had offered commiserations.

She said: “I went to his work at Veolia [where he worked for 11 years] and they all knew him.

“There were so many people he worked with or knew in Croydon. We have had so many well wishers with messages of support and love and cards they have sent us.

“We would like to thank them all for their support.”

Bert, who had known Lesley for almost 40 years, leaves behind three children - Sarah, Emma and Andrew - and six grandchildren.

Anton Tardivel, of Tucker’s Meat Market in Frith Road, said Bert would always say hello when he drove past the shop.

He said: “All the years we have been here he used to clear the roads for us. He would always stop and say good morning.

“It’s a bit of a shock to us all. He was always a pleasant chap.

Paul Southall, contract manager for Veolia Environmental Services said: "We are deeply saddened by the death of Albert Bance who had worked at our Croydon depot as a mechanical broom driver for the past 11 years.

“He will be sadly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, “He was a role model to the team and a popular character amongst his colleagues at the depot. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends at this sad time."