TRIBUTES have been paid to the teenagers killed in the A61 crash by their former school.

George Turner, from Sowerby, and Mason Pearson, from Thirsk, both 17, who were killed in the collision on the A61 at Busby Stoop last week, were former pupils of Thirsk School and Sixth Form College.

The two boys were rear seat passengers in the VW Bora which crashed.

Stuart Mason, headteacher at the school said today: “Mason Pearson and George Turner were lively and likeable lads who lived their lives fully and with much laughter. They were very popular with students and staff and were part of a large and close group of good friends.

"We are devastated by their loss and our thoughts are with their families and friends, along with the families and friends of those injured and in hospital. Our school has pulled together to support each other and we have specialist support on hand from North Yorkshire County Council should it be required.”

County Councillor Patrick Mulligan, North Yorkshire’s Executive Member for Schools said: “Our thoughts and prayers and those of the whole of the community are with the boys’ families and their friends at this sad time of great loss with two young lives cut short so tragically."

North Yorkshire police are continuing to appeal for information about the collision, which also involved a black Ford Focus.

A 22 year-old-man, the driver of the VW Bora, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He has been released on police bail pending inquiries.