THE grieving parents of a 19-year-old man have paid an emotional tribute after he was killed in a two-car collision.

John Ashley Pardew, of Bainbridge Avenue, Willington, was in his silver VW Bora on the B6286 between Hunwick and Sunnybrow at 12.40pm on Saturday, when he collided with a white Subaru Impreza.

His parents, Shirley and John, made a moving tribute to their son, who was known as Ashley.

Mrs Pardew said: "I can't believe that he has gone. He will be missed by so many people, he was so popular. He loved his car, he was so proud of it."

His father said: "People liked Ashley because he was so generous and funny."

This week, bouquets with words of sympathy lined the crash site.

One message read: "Never forget that cheeky smile"and another said: "What I'd give to say hello again."

Mr Pardew, a former pupil of St John's School, Bishop Auckland, had been due to have a night out with friends before tragedy struck.

The friends have visited his home, paying their respects to his parents. Willington Under-18s football club held a one-minute silence to remember Mr Pardew who was a fan of the club.

Mr Pardew, who had only had the car for three weeks, was driving home from work in Hunwick when his care left the road and overturned, landing 20 metres away in a field.

He was taken to the University of North Durham Hospital at 1.20pm but died from what were believed to have been serious chest injuries.

Police investigating the accident believe he was attempting to overtake a boy on a scooter and the white Subaru when the accident occurred.

Insp Paul Roe of Durham police said: "We are looking for witnesses especially the person who was riding the electric scooter."

The 18-year-old male Subaru driver was arrested and bailed by police pending further inquiries.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact the accident unit on (0191) 3752 159.