A talented regional journalist has been killed aged 37 after being struck by two cars while walking along the street.

Tributes have been paid to James Driver-Fisher, who died on Sunday just days short of his 38th birthday.

James, pictured, had worked for the Midland News Association since 2007 and was most recently a content manager for Wolverhampton daily the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, as well as their weekly sister titles.

Police told the Express & Star that father-of-one James had been walking down Saltwells Road in Netherton, Dudley, before he was hit by two separate vehicles at about 12.40am on Sunday.

The drivers of both cars stayed at the scene to help police with their inquiries and no arrests have been made.

Paying tribute this morning, on what would have been James’s 38th birthday, MNA editor-in-chief Martin Wright said: “We are all devastated to hear of James’s sudden death.

“James will be sorely missed for his humour and his unflappable demeanour in the newsroom. He was a conscientious and dedicated member of our team, not to mention a very talented journalist.

“Above all, he was a thoughtful and caring human being, which made him so popular with all of his colleagues.  Our thoughts are with James’s family at this exceptionally difficult time.”

James began his career as a reporter on the Bridgnorth Journal before becoming a sub-editor with the MNA and later moving to his most recent role.

He was a regular contributor to the entertainment pages and also to the sports pages due to his love of motorcycling.

James wrote a book on motorsport, as well as two about his favourite football team Aston Villa.

He had previously run marathons to raise money for Birmingham’s John Taylor Hospice, which cared for his late father David prior to his death when James was only 23.

His wife Kelly told the E&S: “He truly was the kindest most loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, brother-in-law, son-in-law and friend. The great are taken young and he was the best. I will love him for the rest of my days.”

James is also survived by his seven-year-old daughter Annabelle, mother Nadine, sister Hannah and brother Thomas.

In a joint statement, they told the newspaper: “James had a heart of gold, was always the life of the party, and loved his family more than anything.”

“Things aren’t going to be the same without him.  James was a fierce and loyal friend, who was funny, outgoing and talented. He was one in a billion.”

Flowers and tributes have been left at the scene of the crash and police inquiries are continuing.