A “WONDERFULLY gifted” publican was one of two motorists killed on the county’s roads at the weekend.

Tributes have been paid to Robert Huntington, 32, who ran the Duke of Cumberland’s Head, in Clifton, near Banbury.

Mr Huntington died when the green Audi A4 he was driving hit a tree on the B4031 Clifton Road, between Deddington and Clifton, at about 11.10pm on Saturday.

He was thrown from the car and was taken to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford after suffering severe injuries, but died in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Friends on social networking site Facebook described Mr Huntington as a “colourful, unique, wonderfully gifted character”.

Charlie Freeman wrote: “Mate, I am numb with sadness that you are no longer here. I also know and take comfort from the fact that you are in a great place right now, entertaining all the crew upstairs with your glorious anecdotes and joie de vivre.

“Such a colourful, unique, wonderfully gifted character. An amazing friend, a heart of gold, a true genius. Thanks for all the great times. It has been a great honour and a pleasure having you as a friend, a bandmate, a confidante.

“You made me laugh like crazy, amazed me with your wit, intelligence and musical brilliance. Such fun, such fun.

“Here’s to the great times, you burned bright my friend, brought joy and good times to so, so many. Take good care mate, all the very best X.”

Another friend, Violet Von Westenholz, said: “So many amazing memories. Sitting here at work at my desk looking at pics. You are gonna be missed so, so much pony. I love you so much xxxx.”

Caspar Schlickum wrote: “Terrible tragedy, we will miss you and your great zest for life and everyone and [every]thing in it. RIP.”

And Christabel Brudenell- Bruce said: “My darling, darling Rob, so completely heartbroken. I will love you and miss you forever. X”

In a separate crash on Sunday, a motorcyclist from Steeple Aston died after his black Kawasaki ZX was involved in a collision with a red Land Rover Discovery.

He has not yet been formally identified.

The crash happened near Barford St Michael, on the B4031 Iron Down Hill, at 6.37pm.

The 53-year-old man was taken to Horton General Hospital in Banbury, where he later died.

The road was closed for almost six hours while a collision investigation was carried out.

Pc Michael Barrett, from the Bicester roads policing department, is appealing for witnesses.

He said: “The Land Rover was with three other 4x4 vehicles and the motorcycle was with two other bikes at the time of the collision.”

Anyone with information about either crash is asked to call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.