Tributes to painter who lived each day to the full

THE family and friends of a cyclist who was killed after being hit by a lorry have paid tribute to an "amazingly generous" man who "appreciated every minute of his life".

Craig Newton, 32, from Lochend Road South in Musselburgh, who was better known as 'Boyder', died after being hit by a council bin lorry outside Broughton Primary School on Thursday morning.

His brother, Stephen Newton, 33, said he was comforted by the fact that Mr Newton, a painter and decorator, had led the best life that he could.

He said: "My brother was a very popular guy, who was hardworking, generous and would loan anybody money. He was a painter and decorator and he wouldn't take a penny off his family and friends, not even for materials. He had just started his own business, which he called Living Colours, and he was full of life.

"Everyone called him a legend and I couldn't count all his friends. He loved Hearts and had just bought a season ticket, and he enjoyed cycling to keep fit. That day he was away to a job for his new business and he put the bike in the back of his van. He parked in a free area and cycled into town. He'd only recently started doing that."

Mr Newton was struck at the junction of Broughton Road and East Claremont Street at around 7.50am and died at the scene.

His brother added: "My dad has taken it badly, he was inconsolable. Mum is in a bad way too, but she's organising everything and is sorting out Craig's affairs. He had a good life and that's comforting. I'm upset but all his friends have been supporting me. We hope the funeral will be more of a celebration of him."

Steven Booth, 29, who attended Portobello High School with Mr Newton, recalled that he was the most generous person he knew.

He said: "I last saw him two weeks ago on Sunday when we went for an Indian meal in Musselburgh. He was an amazingly generous guy and it was a struggle to give anything back to him, but we managed it that night and we bought him a meal. Craig liked to be out at the weekend and he liked giving. It doesn't seem fair that he's been taken away when he was a guy that would do anything in the world for anyone. He appreciated every minute of his life."

Mr Newton leaves behind his mum, Lynda, 62, dad Dennis, 60, brother Stephen and half-brother Grant Hunter, 43. All of the family live locally. They hope to announce funeral details within the next week.

Lothian and Borders police are investigating the accident. A spokeswoman said: "Police are continuing to make inquiries and are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward."

"In particular, officers want to speak to a cyclist wearing a yellow tabard, who was seen near Mr Newton on Broughton Road just prior to the collision. Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131-311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111."