THE death of a 'caring father' following a collision with a car on Ulverston's coast road has shocked the town.

George Edward Tyson, 61, of Alexander Gardens died at the scene of the crash which happened on the A5087 at Bardsea on Sunday afternoon.

A 17-year-old driver of a white Vauxhall Corsa has been bailed following his arrest on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Melanie Tyson, George’s daughter said: “He died on Sunday doing the thing he loved the most. He was walking, as he does most Sundays, with my brother Garry, down the Coast Road towards Ulverston."

"My dad’s life was cruelly taken away from him, although through various witness statements, the story is blessed with his selfless act of saving the life of my brother. We, as a family, are still in shock of this news but realise that my dad’s quick action saved it from being an even bigger tragedy."

“My dad was a loyal Ulverstonian who cared for a great deal of people over his life in the wonderful town he loved.

Paying tribute to Mr Tyson, Ulverston town councillor Jack Rice said he was a devoted and caring father to his son Garry, who is disabled.

He said: "George spent a lot of time with Garry. You could see them going out for walks and he would bring him to our Wednesday discos. They had a closeness and he is going to really feel it because he spent a lot of time with his dad."

Ulverston mayor Pat Jones said Mr Tyson's death had been a huge shock.

She said: "It's dreadful. Everyone is incredibly shocked. George's son is an incredibly charming young man and he had a very close relationship with his dad. His dad was always with him whenever I saw him."

The crash happened on the A5087 at Conishead, Bardsea at 3.50pm at its junction with Main Street and closed the road for several hours.

North West Air Ambulance took a 32-year-old male pedestrian to the Furness General Hospital and he was released following treatment.

The road re-opened this morning (Monday, Jan 23).

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident and anyone with information is asked to contact PC Simon Tunstall of the Cumbria roads policing unit on 101.