TONY Eldridge’s life revolved around his children, according to his grieving friends and family.

The devoted father had only just picked up his four-year-old son, Bradley, when they were involved in an accident in Bucknell Road, Bicester, at about 8.15pm on Wednesday.

Both died at the scene and last night Tony’s parents Arthur and Pat Eldridge described him as fun and a brilliant dad whose life revolved around his three children.

Bradley’s mother Sarah Eldridge also spoke of her son, who she described as a ‘cheeky monkey’ who was full of kindness and zest.

Bradley’s grandmother, who runs Eldridge Growers, a fruit and vegetable store in Sheep Street, said: “Tony was fun, outgoing and made everyone laugh when he was out.

“He was a hard worker and brilliant dad – he loved his kids to bits. His life revolved around work and his children.

“He never had much time for anything else as the days he had off, he had the children.”

When Tony met his wife Sarah, he became stepfather to her son Toby, 10.

The couple also had two children, Ellie, seven, and Brad-ley, but the couple separated about a year ago.

On the night of the accident Tony, 36, had gone to collect Bradley ready for a day out the next day.

Ellie was already at his parents’ house in Buckingham Road, Bicester, where he also lived.

At Tony’s regular, the White Horse pub, in Churchill Road, manager Tina Massey paid tribute to the very popular and well-liked man.

She said: “He was an absolutely devoted father and loved his children to bits.

“He would bring his children here for dinners, and was only here with them a few weeks ago and we were talking about Bradley’s curly hair.

“He said his was the same when he was younger.”

Former Cooper and Glory Farm school pupil Tony was a qualified mechanic, but gave up the trade several years ago to become a kitchen fitter.

He was one of five children including Suzanne, 40, Carol, 38, Paul, 32, and Hayley, 26.

Bradley was one of Mr and Mrs Eldridge’s 15 grandchildren.

Bradley’s mother Sarah, of Fritwell, who nicknamed her son BA, released a statement yesterday which said: “A little angel has been taken from our lives before he had time to shine. A loving caring son and brother, a cheeky monkey full of zest and kind, that has left a hole behind.

“A hole that now can never be filled, but memories never to be forgotten.

“Life will never be the same, for a son, brother and father lost, but our love will continue through day and night with two stars shining bright at night. Love you BA, always and forever.”

Bradley attended Park Keepers nursery and pre-school at Heyford Park, in Upper Heyford.

Manager Debbie Brock said: “Bradley was a shining star that gave so much love and laughter to all that knew him.

“It’s a sad loss to everyone touched by this special boy.”

An inquest has been opened and adjourned.

bicester@oxfordmail.co.uk