FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a father killed in a crash, as a man charged over the smash prepares to appear in court.

Shane Stanfield, 33, of Rounton Road in Waltham Abbey, died when the motorbike he was driving collided with a VW van on Epping New Road, at the junction with Woodford Green High Road, on Monday October 20 last year.

Mr Stanfield, a popular and well-known DJ, was just weeks away from celebrating the first birthday of his baby son Ronnie when he was killed.

A man has now appeared at Redbridge Magistrates Court charged with causing death by careless driving and will face trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court in January.

He denies the charge.

Meanwhile relatives of Mr Stanfield have erected a floral tribute to him at the site where he was killed, while dozens have left messages on a section of website Facebook set-up in his memory.

Along with his son Ronnie, Mr Stanfield was survived by another son Connor, now aged eight, and beloved partner Kelly.

Sister Caroline Stanfield said the memory of her brother's death was still very raw.

She said: "Even though it's one year on the pain we feel is no different.

"He was a massive part of so many people's lives - he travelled all around for his DJ work and got to know so many people. At his funeral we couldn't even fit everyone in the church.

"We're still completely devastated. As a family we're never going to recover from it. We know we have to carry on because of his children but it's so hard."

Nearly 400 people have signed up to Facebook group 'Shane Stanfield R.I.P' since his death, with a flood of messages being posted this week marking the anniversary.

One friend wrote: "I'm thinking of you today and all that you have missed this first year and hope that you are watching over us all from up above. Love you and miss you today and always."

Another wrote: "only you know how many times I've wished you were here with us, we all miss you massively."

The police are expected to release more details about the man charged over the crash shortly.