Anne Fisher was with Stan Dixon on the 243 service travelling from Hartlepool to Horden last Saturday night when they became involved in a disagreement with other passengers over people using bad language.

Mr Dixon was later found unconscious on the pavement next to the bus stop at Beech Terrace in Horden.

Ms Fisher, 41, paid a moving tribute to her partner, who shared her life for five years before his death.

She said: "Stan was a happy-go-lucky man who enjoyed life and we shared many good times in the years we were together.

"We have only recently returned from Spain and we were planning other holidays."

She added she and her 12-year-old daughter Lauren, and Stan's brother Ken were devastated by the tragedy and were going to miss him terribly.

Ms Fisher, who lives in Peterlee, said her partner had been like a father to Lauren and the schoolgirl had been badly affected by the news of his death.

Mr Dixon was born in Horden and lived in the village all his life, and was well-liked.

The father-of-three had been a motor mechanic and spent time in Hartlepool, working for Nissan and the National Coal Board, before moving on to the Nightfreight company before retiring due to ill health.

Shocked neighbours in Eden Vale Estate have also spoken of their sadness at the tragedy.

They said although Mr Dixon was active, he used a stick to help him get around, and enjoyed drinking in the Five Quarter in Peterlee.

They said he also enjoyed sunbathing and was always friendly.

Edward Slack, a former parish councillor and ex-serviceman who served as a private in the Durham Light Infantry, said what had happened was like a "thunderbolt".

The 67-year-old said: "They couldn't do enough for me.
"The community, it's hit them hard.

"The country's going down hill. The Government has got to go to the lawyers and judges and see if life will mean life."

Lynn Temple, 54, who lives with her husband John, 55, said: "He was well-liked and he kept himself to himself.
"He was kind-hearted and wouldn't hurt a fly."

Joan Pack, 63, said she had known Mr Dixon for more than 20 years, becoming friends when he lived in Bay Avenue and her home was in Cotsford Park Estate.

She said: "He was a lovely man.

"I'm really sad about what's happened, I'm gutted because I knew him for a long time."