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Tributes have been shared to a "wonderful" and "greatly missed" worker at Hinkley Point B who has died of coronavirus.

Andy Elkins, 59, of Bridgwater, tested positive for COVID-19 before his death on Thursday, April 14.

He had not been on-site for more than two weeks and staff at the power station have traced those who may have been in contact with Mr Elkins and thoroughly cleaned specific working areas.

Somerset Live understands two other workers at Hinkley Point B have tested positive for coronavirus, with some other staff members self-isolating as a precaution.

The power station, owned by EDF Energy, has also introduced a number of social distancing measures during the pandemic, namely reduced contact between shifts to avoid key workers coming into contact with each other along with the use of thermal imaging cameras to monitor on-site workers' temperatures.

Mr Elkin's family has thanked Matt Ball and Peter Evans of Hinkley Point B for their "fantastic level of support" following his death. EDF Energy has donated £1,000 in memory of Mr Elkins for his family's chosen charity.

Peter Evans, Hinkley Point B's Station Director, paid tribute to Mr Elkins and called him a friendly man who "would do anything to help anyone."

He said: "Andy's sad passing was a shock to us all, and he will be greatly missed.

"We all remember him for his infectious personality and his humour, and he would do anything to help anyone.

"My thoughts and sympathy are with those who were close to Andy, and with his family and friends.

"We are in contact with his family to offer our sympathy and assistance and we will of course do all that we can to support them during this difficult time."

His funeral will be held today (Friday, April 24) with close family members. A memorial service is set to be rearranged for later in the year.

'You have given us and many other people lots of happy memories to treasure forever' - Family pay tribute to 'wonderful husband' and 'fantastic Dad'

(Image: Cavaliers Carnival Club)

Through an online obituary, his family has encouraged all of his friends and colleagues to take a few minutes to remember him by listening to his favourite song "Daydream Believer" by The Monkees at 1pm on Friday afternoon.

Mr Elkin's family has shared a moving tribute to the former Hinkley Point B worker and thanked him for the "happy memories to treasure forever."

His family also thanked relatives, friends, neighbours, colleagues and carnivalites for their "overwhelming love, well wishes and support" following his death.

A tribute reads: "Julie, Stephanie and Nicola would like to take this opportunity to express their thanks and gratitude to the following people at this incredibly sad time.

"We would like to thank the doctors, nurses, health care assistants and staff at Southmead Hospital for enabling us to have an extra three and a half years together.

"To the doctors, nurses and all members of staff, especially Olivia, who held his hand when we couldn’t in the High Dependency Unit and to Hestercombe Ward at Musgrove Park Hospital for the outstanding level of care whilst working in extreme circumstances.

"To Matt Ball and Peter Evans of Hinkley Point B Power Station for their fantastic level of support, along with a staggering donation of £1,000 from EDF Energy in memory of Andy to our chosen charity.

(Image: Andy Elkin's family)

"To Emma Britton for a wonderful service. It was everything he would have wanted and more.

"To family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and carnivalites for their overwhelming love, well wishes and support shown by the numerous cards, messages and posts on the obituary page.

"These tributes and photographs have brought us laughter, tears and pride. For the many bouquets of flowers we have received that have truly uplifted our spirits.

"A very special thank you to Mark Robson of Robson & Stephens Funeral Directors for the care, kindness and meticulous attention to detail whilst organising Jif’s funeral with us.

"Thank you to everyone for their generous donations to Musgrove Park Hospital High Dependency Unit.

"However the biggest thank you of all goes to you Jif, for being such a wonderful husband, fantastic Dad and best friend, who was always there to support us.

"You have given us and many other people lots of happy memories to treasure forever.

"Please stay at home and keep yourselves and your families safe. Enjoy every moment with your loved ones, you never know when that time might end."

Cavaliers Carnival Club and friends remember 'Jiffy' and his 'great personality'

(Image: Andy Elkin's family)

Mr Elkins, who was born in Scotland, was known locally as a founder member, life member and former President of Cavaliers Carnival Club.

A member of the Bridgwater Carnival community said he was involved in the event for a "number of years" and was a "nice guy".

Known to many as "Jiffy", Cavaliers Carnival Club shared their own tribute to him on their Facebook page.

A spokesman said: "We are sad to announce the recent passing of Andrew 'Jiffy' Elkins, a Cavalier for many years, former President and Life Member.

"We like other carnivalites will have many happy memories of Jif to look back on with fondness and affection. We send our condolences, love and best wishes to his family at this sad time."

Friends have also shared their own memories and tributes to Mr Elkins after learning of his death.

Andrew Eggby said: "So sad to hear of Andy’s passing. He was always a pleasure to be around and had a great personality.

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"My thoughts are very much with his family right now, I'm sure he's left a big gap in your lives."

Tracey Harris wrote: "My early days in Cavaliers were so much fun and you were always a big part of that Jiffy.

"I have so many happy memories and feel privileged that I have been able to call you a friend for many years.

"I will miss you very much and never forget you. Rest in peace Jiffy."