THE heartbroken parents of a 14-year-old schoolboy have spoken of their "loved and respected" son who died after being struck by a car at the weekend.

Matthew Dell from South Church in Bishop Auckland, died when a grey VW Polo car collided with him on the A689 between Toronto Lodge and High Grange at around 3.45pm on Saturday.

He had been walking with a group of friends.

Matthew, who was a student at St John’s School and Sixth Form College in Bishop Auckland, was taken to James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, but later died from his injuries.

The driver of the car, a 21-year-old man from Crook, was unhurt.

Yesterday his parents, Lisa and Andrew Dell, said: “Matthew was a handsome young man, good mannered, courteous, polite and a much loved son and grandson.

“He was loved and respected by all of those lucky enough to meet him.

“His memory will linger in our hearts today and always.”

The town has been left shocked by the tragedy.

Lisa Byron, head of St John’s School and Sixth Form College, said: “The whole school community of St John’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College are shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic and sudden death of one of our Year 10 students, Mathew Dell.  

“Matthew was an amazing young person, who was a great friend and positive influence on his peers.  

“Maturing into a fine young man, Matthew had a thoughtful awareness beyond his years and had only recently talked about his ambitions to join the police. 

“As an organised and conscientious student, Matthew was actively involved in the full life of the school.

“Tributes to him have flowed freely from both students and staff and, as a popular and well-liked student, Matthew will be greatly missed by all within our school community. 

“Our prayers, thoughts and deepest sympathies go to his parents and family at this sad time.”

  • A 34-year-old man who died at the weekend after his car left the A688 road between Staindrop and Barnard Castle, yesterday (April 26) morning has been named locally as Paul 'Oscar' Armstrong' of Cockfield.

He was declared dead at the scene, near Dunhouse Quarry, at about 5.45am.  Officers found the blue Ford Focus he was driving on its roof in a field. 

Durham Police are now appealing for witnesses to both incidents. If you have any information, call 101.