MORE than 50 friends of a teenager who died in an early morning car crash took part in a football tournament in his memory.

Craig Cronshaw, 18, (formerly Hepple) died when his Citroen Saxo lost control in Stacksteads, crashing into a wall at 5.20am on Sunday, December 9.

Friends, some of them wearing football shirts with rest in peace Craig' on the back, gathered at the JJB Soccerdome, Blackburn, yesterday (Sunday) for the five-a-side competition.

Craig, a Blackburn Rovers fan, lived in Bolton Road, Darwen, until he was 14 when he moved to Heathbourne Road, Stacksteads.

The keen footballer played for Stacksteads St Joseph's and the Voodoo Valley football team.

John Parkinson, who played football with Craig for Stacksteads St Joseph's in the East Lancashire League, came up with the idea to host the tournament in honour of his friend and hoped it would now become an annual event.

John, who described Craig as a "talented midfielder", said: "He would have liked this and I'm really pleased with how many teams have turned up.

"The money raised will go towards getting a memorial trophy with Craig's name and hopefully we can stage the tournament every year. The winner can keep the trophy for the following 12 months.

"He loved his football and played for both the first team and reserves at Stacksteads. He was destined for the first team in the long run though."

Craig's mum Trish said she was touched that so many people had turned up to support the event.

Jonathan Holmes, general manager at Blackburn's JJB Soccer Dome, gave the pitches free of charge.

Trish added: "I think its fantastic what they've done and it brings everyone together to celebrate his life.

"It's a lovely thought of John to organise it and for people to take part."