THE driver of a car which crashed into a tree killing his 16-year-old cousin has died in hospital.

Samuel Lund's family had been keeping a bedside vigil since the accident on Saturday at Gisburn when James Mark Dewhurst died.

The 19-year-old driver died yesterday in Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Yesterday James' former headteacher and form tutor paid tribute to a capable' and polite' young man.

James of Rimington Lane, Rimington died from head injuries sustained in the crash.

The cousins were both former pupils at Bowland High School, and James was training to become a bricklayer at Accrington and Rossendale College.

They were travelling a Peugeot 205 being driven by Samuel, also of Rimington.

Paul Rimmer, a brickwork tutor at Accrington and Rossendale College, said: "James was a much-liked member of the group who was only with us a short time, but made a huge contribution achieving all that was asked of him.

"He was always polite and well presented, with a very personable character. He will be greatly missed by fellow students and staff."

James worked at Cowking, a building contractors in Waddington, before starting as an apprentice bricklayer last July Stephen Cox, headteacher at Bowland High, Grindleton, said: "James was held in high esteem by staff, he was a popular and extremely sociable lad who stood up for what he believed in. He had a good sense of humour and was well respected by his peers and staff.

"James was a talented, bright and capable young man. Our thoughts are with his family."

A post mortem examination has been carried out and further toxicology tests are required. The inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned until May 14 at Clitheroe town hall.

His funeral is set to take place next Thursday. A funeral date has not yet been set for Samuel.