Tributes have been paid to a council worker and "true gentleman" who died in a four-vehicle smash on the M8.

Wayne Strickland, 49, was named as the victim of yesterday's rush-hour crash that shut the route between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The business advisor at West Lothian Council was driving to work when his Peugeot 206 was involved in a collision with another car, a van and a lorry at about 8.50am.

His family said in a statement: "Wayne was a much-loved and respected father, husband, son and brother.

"A business advisor with West Lothian Council, he was on his way to work from his home in Inverkeithing when the accident happened.

"Wayne was a devoted husband to Bernadette and much-adored father. He was one of life's true gentlemen and he will be sadly missed."

Police are investigating the cause of the westbound collision near Livingston which saw three of the vehicles catch fire, sending thick plumes of smoke across the commuter route.

The route was shut near junction three for almost eight hours.

Officers have appealed for witnesses who saw the crash involving a Kia Rio, a Mercedes van and an articulated HGV.

The occupants of the other vehicles were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

A spokesman for West Lothian Council said: "Wayne was a very popular and respected colleague, and those that worked with him have been left devastated by this tragic news.

"Wayne had worked with West Lothian Council for a number of years and those that had the pleasure to work with him feel very fortunate to have known him as a colleague and friend.

"As a business advisor Wayne worked closely with the local community to help people set up their own companies and his loss will be felt by the wider business community in West Lothian.

"He will be greatly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with Wayne's family and friends at this very sad time."