AN AUDI technician killed in a car crash has been remembered as popular, warm and friendly by his team in Swindon.

Joe Hayward, who worked in the Audi garage on the Delta Business Park, and came from Devizes, died after the crash on the A4381 near Broad Hinton last month.

General manger at Audi Chris Walker summed up the feelings of the team, many of whom had worked closely with Joe since he started his apprenticeship there nine years ago.

Those that knew him well even held a birthday party on what would have been Joe’s 27th birthday on March 15.

“We held a birthday party in his honour in the workshop and blasted out some of his favourite tunes chosen from his playlists,” said Chris, “we know that’s what he would have wanted, a celebration.

He added: “To say he was popular would be an understatement, he was warm, friendly, polite, helpful, and always smiling, he was also our resident Swindon Audi DJ, in charge of the tunes in the workshop.

“Needless to say his death has stunned us all, we all miss not seeing his smiling face come bounding through the workshop.

“Joe will always be missed. He has left a massive void that will be impossible to fill, but he has also left us with a lot of great memories.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s family and friends at this time. We miss you Joe, from all at Swindon Audi.”

The Audi workshop will be closing down on the afternoon of April 10 as a mark of respect and to allow many of his colleagues to attend the funeral at Michael’s church in Melksham on 10th April at 2.30, followed by a burial in Devizes cemetery and a gathering afterwards at the Crown in New Park Street, Devizes.

Last week the family of Joe, who lived in a flat in Swindon, paid tribute to him as much-loved conscientious and considerate young man who was passionate about cars and used to fix them for his friends and family in his spare time.

His mum Dorothy Carlton said yesterday: “He had loved all things mechanical since he was a small boy. His bedroom was always full of car parts.”

Joe was driving a grey Peugeot 106 when it was involved in a head-on crash with a Chrysler Voyager on the A4381 northbound at around 3pm on March 10. Police are still to appealing for anyone with information to call PC John Armstrong on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.