The mother of a five-year-old Carluke boy killed in a freak road accident on Saturday, has spoken of her utter devastation.
Young Ben Hastie, a Crawforddyke Primary School pupil, sustained fatal injuries when a cow weighing over a ton crashed through the front windscreen after being hit by the Volkswagen Golf driven by his dad Dougie (41).
"We are devastated," mum Elizabeth Anderson, of Hillfoot Terrace, told the Gazette.
"We feel as if a piece of our life is missing.
"Ben was a ray of sunshine. He always made you laugh and touched everyone's hearts.
"I just want Ben to be remembered. He put a smile on everyone's face and we are going to miss him."
The tragedy happened in Newmains at 3.53am, on the A73 near Cooper Brothers.
Elizabeth said that her son had been sitting in the passenger seat of the Volkswagen Golf, securely strapped into a booster chair.
But she said that that Ben had had "no chance" of surviving the tragedy, such was the incredible weight of the massive beast catapulted through the air.
And Elizabeth insisted that Dougie had not been speeding in the moments before he hit the cow.
"It was really foggy," she added.
"Dougie was crawling along when he saw a cow in the road. He was only doing five to 10mph.
"He swerved to miss it and hit another one, which flew through the air and through the front windscreen.
"There were actually four cows on the road in total.
"Dougie is devastated. He has lost a shadow.
"Dougie tried to revive Ben at the scene, but it was no use."
Tragic Ben died in Wishaw General Hospital an hour later. Dougie was treated for minor back and neck injuries at Wishaw General. The cow was later destroyed.
On the fateful morning, Dougie - an HGV driver - was on his way to work in Newhouse. Ben went along as a special treat, so he could ride in the truck with him later.
Elizabeth added: "Dougie was driving into work for a shift which started at 4am. He had driven Ben in there a few times.
"Ben loved the lorry. Dougie's workmates all loved him."
Elizabeth, Dougie's partner of 19 years before they separated in 2005, lived with Ben in Hillfoot Terrace.
The couple's other son - 16-year-old Duncan - lives with his dad at another address in Carluke.
"The family is all sticking together," Elizabeth added.
"The friends we have got are unbelievable. They have been very good."
Crawforddyke Primary School headteacher Marjorie Maule said: "Ben was a very popular, well behaved and mannerly wee boy.
"He was held in high regard by his peers and all staff members. He was always keen to attend and looked so smart and handsome in his uniform, which he wore with pride. He showed care and concern for all others in his class and our school.
"He was a talented artist, with exceptional drawing skills for his age.
"He loved writing stories, often including his cats and his much- loved mum and dad in these.
''Ben brightened up lunchtimes for many with his tales and beaming smile.
"Ben will be sadly missed and fondly remembered for his happy smile and sunny personality."
The A73 Newmains road remained shut until midday on Saturday.
Police enquiries into the tragedy are continuing.
Motherwell Police Chief Inspector Donna Henderson said: "This was a tragic accident.
"Our sympathy goes out to the family.
"We are making enquiries into the cause of the accident and in particular why there was cattle on the road. Anyone with information, please come forward."
To help, contact the Road Policing Department on 01698 483149.