A LOVING Northwich couple were killed when their car plunged down a motorway embankment in Scotland.

Philip Gerrard, 46, and his wife, Pamela, 48, of Appleton Street, in Winnington, were killed when their Peugeot left the A74(M) near Beattock, Dumfries and Galloway, at around 11.40am on Saturday.

A police spokesman said the road had been ‘very wet’. Numerous roads in the area had been closed because of heavy flooding.

The couple, who married in 1991, refused to holiday outside of the UK because they liked to take along their dogs, Hudson and Beauly.

The four were on their way to Beauly, near Inverness, when tragedy struck. Philip and Pamela died in the car but the two shitzus escaped with minor injuries.

Daughter Lindsey, 25, of Flower Street, in Castle, and son Andrew, 22, of Old School Close, in Barnton, were too distraught to comment but Lindsey’s fiancé, Graham Robertson, paid a moving tribute on their behalf.

He said: “Since Saturday, all of our lives have been turned upside down. It is impossible to understand how and why this has happened. Lindsey and Andrew have lost such a loving and caring father and a step-mum who they thought the world of, such a kind person who treated them as her own.

“Phil was one of the most easy-going and generous people I know.

“He was a great father who would do anything for his kids. I’d say he was extremely talented. He could put his hand to anything. If he wasn’t fitting himself a new kitchen he’d be fixing our boiler or laying us a new floor.

“We were always calling on him for help.

“Pamela was idolised by our daughters, Katie and Lily, especially by Katie, who would often tell us, ‘she’s the best nanny in the world’.

“Pam will also be greatly missed by her father, George. Most days Pam or Phil would pick George up and take him back to their house for his dinner – she cared for and loved her father very much.

“It still doesn’t seem real. I expect them to walk in at any time laughing and smiling as usual, but this world is so unfair at times. Philip and Pamela will be greatly missed by many people and I’m so pleased I’ve had the chance to get to know them.”