A TROPHY dedicated to the memory of a trainee butcher from Rossendale who died in a road collision has been presented for the first time.

Eighteen-year-old Adam Madden, from Weir, was working at Sawley-based Dunbia’s butchery academy when he lost control of his car on Bacup Road in March.

An inquest last month found the incident was a ‘tragic accident’.

In memory of Adam, bosses at Dunbia decided to launch an annual award.

The first was presented to Jamie Denson, 19, at a ceremony at The Stirk House Hotel in Gisburn on Friday.

Adam’s mum Mandy, 42, said she was delighted the award had been named after her son.

She said: “It is superb. It is great that, although he died while travelling to work, he will be remembered in and around his workplace.

“The apprentices will be inspired by Adam’s memory.”

Miss Madden, of Heald Lane, Weir, said Adam had become interested in butchery after watching her partner, Nick.

She said: “He left school and did an engineering qualification, but it wasn’t for him.

“Nick has some butchering experience and after watching him he decided that was what he wanted to do. Nick told him about Dunbia and he kept ringing them up and he got in.”

Dunbia manager Andrew Denson, who runs the academy, said everyone had been devastated by Adam’s death.

He said: “He was a good lad. He was well-mannered and wanted to learn.

“He was supposed to start his NVQ the day of the accident. It was a big blow to everyone.

“We decided to set up the trophy to carry on his name.”

The award will be given out annually.