TRIBUTES have been paid to a retired couple who died following a crash on the A66 in Workington last week. 

Martin Gareth Evans and his wife Patricia Mary Evans of High Brigham, near Cockermouth, were formally identified on Friday following their death in a crash on the A66 near Workington on Monday, February 13.

Mr Evans worked as an industrial chemist at Sellafield, with wife Pat working as a popular maths teacher at Newlands School in Workington and latterly Stainburn School in the town.

The couple were both much loved and long term members of St John's Church in Workington, were they were said to be integral to the bellringing, choir and music groups at the church.

The Very Revd Dr Frances E F Ward paid tribute to the couple who were 'involved in everything' within the church community.

She said: "Pat and Gareth were long standing and dearly loved members of St John's Church in the middle of Workington - they sang in choirs, and played in our band, and were involved in everything that goes on, including, most specially our 200 years celebration as St John's was founded in 1823.

"But more special than anything was their love of bell ringing which they did, every Sunday morning, at St Michael's Church - encouraging new people to start this wonderful tradition.

"They met, bell ringing, when they were at Oxford University together, and it was a shared passion.

"The bells now ring for them in heaven."

Times and Star: The couple were said to be 'much loved by their family, friends and all that knew them'.The couple were said to be 'much loved by their family, friends and all that knew them'. (Image: Supplied)

The church community has been devastated by the sudden tragic deaths of the couple.

They were much loved and respected members of St John’s Church and tower captains of St Michael's bellringers.

Fellow church member, Valerie Hallard said: "Many of our families speak highly of Pat as a maths teacher at Newlands School and later Stainburn and Workington Sixth Form Centre, and several, including my own son, have said their later career was thanks to her teaching.

READ MORE: Tributes paid to couple 'who gave so much to their community' after A66 crash

"Gareth’s knowledge was invaluable in the Fabric Committee and Energy Strategy group as we seek to maintain our building whilst making our contribution to the fight against climate change.

"His bellringing leadership will be much missed across Cumbria and beyond."

In a tribute on Friday, the family of Pat and Gareth said: "Retired couple Pat and Gareth lived in Brigham for over 40 years, and enjoyed many happy hours on the Lake District fells.

"Much loved by their family, friends and all that knew them, they gave so much to the community throughout their lives.

"They will be remembered and sadly missed by their children, family and the entire community."

READ MORE: A66 car crash on Workington roundabout sparks further investigations

The collision occurred on the A66, between the Bridgefoot roundabout and Stainburn roundabout, near Workington at 5.53pm on Monday, February 13.

Officers are continuing to appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant dashcam footage to get in touch.

Anyone with information can report via email to SCIU@CUMBRIA.POLICE.UK - referring to incident 208 of February 13. You can also report online via cumbria.police.uk/report-it or call 101.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.