TRIBUTES have been paid to a 16-year-old who died in a crash.

Samual Lewis Orchard crashed in Buckle Street, Honeybourne last Thursday at 1.20pm.

Samuel, from Salford Priors, sustained serious head injuries in the crash with a silver Land Rover Freelander and was taken to hospital.

His family said: "It is with the greatest of sadness that we have to share the heart-breaking announcement of the tragic passing of our beautiful son, Samual Lewis Orchard.

"Sam was the most pure, sincere, and loving boy a parent could ever hope to wish for. He made us and all his family extremely proud.

"At 16 he had accomplished so much already, and from the outpouring of love and heartfelt wishes we have already received, it truly shows just how many other lives he touched.

"His life in the village of Salford Priors was such a happy and content one.

"Wonderful times were had during his time at kindergarten, the village primary school and growing up he was surrounded by so many good friends and neighbours who ensured he had the best of childhoods.

"Aged 11 he chose to go to Alcester Academy where he made many more great friends and had the support of many amazing teachers who helped him turn from a boy to a young man and accomplish 11 GCSE exams - an achievement of which he was very proud.

"Since leaving school in June, Sam had a whirlwind of exciting new ventures including spending three weeks with NCS travelling to the Pennines for an adventure week, living away to learn life skills and working with Murray House, a local charity.

"He spent many happy evenings being involved as a young leader with the local Beavers group, and also several years with The Children's Kayak Charitable Trust (TCKCT) where with their wonderful support went from being novice to a team member helping others to learn.

"Recently starting a two year course at Moreton Morrell studying animal welfare and zoology, Sam had a passion for wildlife and cared for all creatures. He was loving college life.

"Sam was delighted to have secured a new Saturday job at Budgens and a work experience placement at All Things Wild in Honeybourne too - he was one happy boy.

"Sam leaves behind a large loving family including his younger brother, who was also his best friend.

"He had a wicked sense of humour and made us all laugh. He lived life to the full. No regrets."

The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this time.

A file is now being prepared for the coroner.

Investigating officers from West Mercia Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident or people who saw the vehicles and the manner in which they were being driven prior to the collision to come forward.

Anyone with information, call 101, quoting incident number 312S of Thursday, September 14.

Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

A driver was also killed on the same road yesterday after a car crashed into a tree and burst into flames.