TERENCE Leeks was the kind of father who would do anything for his family, but today his devastated loved ones are in mourning after his death on the A14.

TERENCE Leeks was the kind of father who would do anything for his family, but today his devastated loved ones are in mourning after his death on the A14.

His daughter Kes Leeks has spoken of her shock after hearing that the 54-year-old had died following an accident at Sproughton on Friday.

Mr Leeks' Parcel Force van collided with an articulated lorry after a morning of heavy snow and rain and was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is believed that Mr Leeks van collided with the rear of the lorry.

Miss Leeks, of Downside Close, has today described her dad as extremely kind and told of how he arranged a surprise holiday for her, her ten-year-old daughter Jan and himself in Spain.

It was their first holiday abroad and he even managed to arrange Miss Leek's dream - to see dolphins close up.

Miss Leeks said: “My father made sure the holiday was exciting and memorable for both myself and Jan.

“Jan's favourite memory of the holiday was not only seeing the dolphins but also that she got to hold a baby crocodile.”

Mr Leeks of London Road, Ipswich was born in Sudbury but grew up in Ipswich where he lived all his adult life.

He lived alone in his flat and had driven Parcel Force vans for the last ten years.

The 31-year-old said: “He was the type of father who would do anything for me at the drop of a hat.

“In fact, he would do anything for anyone as he was extremely kind and helpful. Lots of people have said things along that line to me.”

Miss Leeks added that the family was currently still in a state of shock at the tragedy.

She said: “We didn't see him all the time but there were phone calls and what not.

“I was especially close to him when I was a child. I'm still in a state of disbelief that he's gone.

“It was an awful moment when the police arrived.

“Two of them arrived and asked who my father was and before they could say anything else I knew.

“The last time I saw him was last Wednesday. It was my daughter's birthday and I picked a card up from him.

“I shouted goodbye and waved from the car without thinking anything of it.”

Mr Leeks' other child is a son living in the area and his two brothers, Max and Geoffrey also live in Suffolk.

His mother Winnie and sister Heather both live in Scotland and his father Horace has died.

Miss Leeks said the family have not yet made funeral plans.

Would you like to pay tribute to Mr Leeks? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk