Crash victims 'were model family'

The Statham family were described as 'polite and neighbourly' Pictures of the family

Neighbours and colleagues of a Llandudno family of six killed in a crash as they returned home to north Wales have spoken of their shock.

Chef David Statham, 38, his wife Michelle, 33, and Reece, 13, Jay, nine, Mason, 20 months, and 10-week-old Ellouise died on the M6 in Cheshire.

Their silver people carrier exploded following a five-vehicle pile up.

One neighbour described the Stathams as "six beautiful people" and a "wonderful, model family."

Vince Collina, 49, added: "The kids were so polite and the parents hard working, they were really neighbourly.

"They were always pleasant and chatty and really contributed to a sense of public spirit on the street."

The Statham family were on their way home when they were killed

Mr Collina, a builder who lives doors away from the Stathams, said they had lived there for about four years and "everybody is really shocked and traumatised".

He said his "heart just sank" when he learned of the tragedy and the confirmation had "just knocked us for six".

The Stathams were returning to Llandudno after visiting family in Birmingham on Monday when they were killed in the collision between junctions 16 and 17 of the northbound M6 involving three lorries and two cars.

Dawn Jones, 32, who lives across the road from the family's large terraced house close to the centre of the town. said: "They loved those kids. I feel devastated.

"She worked in an estate agents and was our mortgage adviser.

"They always wanted a girl and finally had one after three boys."

Mason Statham was the family's third son

Her husband John, 36, added: "We couldn't have wished for better neighbours. They were fantastic. Every time I saw them there was nice words. They were a hard-working young family."

Jay was a year four pupil at the Blessed William Davies School in Llandudno, which said in a statement: "We are totally devastated. They were such a lovely and devoted family. We are heartbroken."

'Awful tragedy'

Special prayers have been said at the school and head Elaine Dingsdale explained to the children what had happened to Jay and his family.

Jay's friends were being allowed to do what they wished during class time to try to help them come to terms with his death.

Mr Statham had worked for two years as a chef at St David's College, a private boarding and day school for 11-18-year-olds.

College bursar Judith Leslie said: "The whole of St David's community was devastated to hear of the awful tragedy and our thoughts are with David's family.

"David was a well-liked member of staff, always had a friendly smile and would lend a helping hand - nothing was ever too much trouble.

Headteacher Stuart Hay pays tribute to David Statham

"He will be very sadly missed. He made a huge impression because he was so amiable and cheerful.

"I have just been across to the canteen now and everybody is desperately upset."

Brothers Reece and Jay attended a karate club in Llandudno, and instructor Richard Prendergrass said: "They had been coming here for six months. They were lovely lads.

"Everyone is really upset. We cancelled the teenage class because of what happened.

"Reece was training for his orange belt. They were a nice family and very proud of their sons.

"Both lads were very enthusiastic and came two or three times a week. It's unbelievable this has happened, it's really shocking."

Local Welsh assembly member Gareth Jones said: "This is an appalling tragedy that has left the people of Llandudno in shock and I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of the Stathams, whose sense of loss must be almost impossible to comprehend."

Post-mortem examinations on the family are being carried out on Wednesday.