THE family of a taxi driver who died at the wheel of his cab have told how he loved doing his job.

Married father-of-two Peter Maltby, who it is understood had been a cabbie in Thirsk for about 25 years, was found in his Ford C-Max yards from the junction for Ingleby Cross on the A172 near Northallerton on Sunday (September 7).

Numerous friends had joined a search for the 59-year-old when he went missing after setting off for work from his home in East Road, Northallerton on Saturday.

Police said Mr Maltby's car had left the road and the cause of the accident remained unknown.

Mr Maltby's family said he had been dedicated to providing comfort for his passengers and was always on time.

They said: “An avid football fan, Peter was known to spend his Saturday afternoons watching his beloved team Middlesbrough with his daughter Kirsty and their friends they called 'the Freakshow'.

“Coming from a large family, Peter thoroughly enjoyed spending his free time with wife Maureen and their two children Kirsty and Matthew.

"He was a very caring loving person and would do anything for anyone at anytime.

“Taken far too soon from his family he will be sorely missed and has left a huge gap in a lot of people’s lives.

“The family would like to thank everyone who searched for Peter and who have left messages on social media sites and other media outlets.

"We are overwhelmed with the support being shown for this great man."

Officers are continuing the investigation into Mr Maltby's death and are appealing to anyone who saw his silver Ford C-Max taxi on the A172 between Stokesley and Ingleby Cross between 9.35pm on Saturday and 3am on Sunday to call 101.