Further tributes have been paid to a young East Lancs farmer who lost his life in a bike crash over the Easter weekend.

Police confirmed on Sunday that Hector Eccles, 16, had been killed while riding a Polaris Ranger Farmbike on Exwistle Road, Worsthorne, just before 12.40am on Saturday.

His passenger, a 17-year-old from Burnley, was not seriously injured.

Later Hector's family described him as a "beautiful, kind and lovely boy" who was never happier than when on the farm, with friends at Pendle Young Farmers or at Gisburn Auctions.

A spokesman for Pendle Young Farmers said in a statement: "Everyone at Pendle Young Farmers are devastated to hear the loss of our fellow young farmer and friend Hector Eccles.

"Hector was a keen member, coming to every meeting and competing at regional and county competitions.

"He was a kind, helpful and lovely lad that will be missed massively at our club.

"From everyone at Pendle Young farmers we would like to send our love and prayers to Geoff, Wendy his family and friends at this difficult time.

"Fly high Hector you will never be forgotten."

And a Gisburn Auction Marts official added: "Hector was a weekly fixture at Gisburn on Saturdays, both working for the auction and selling stock.

"He was a helpful, hard-working and well-mannered young man and was highly respected.

"He will be sorely missed by staff, customers and friends at Gisburn Auction.

"Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Geoff, Wendy and the family at this incredibly difficult time."

In their own tribute, Hector’s family said: “We would like to thank everyone for the kind words and sympathy over the last few days.

“This (pictured) is our Hector on his farm with his animals, where he loved to spend his time.

“Always happiest: on the farm, at Gisburn Auction, or with his friends and colleagues in Pendle Young Farmers.

“Hector will always be in our hearts and minds, we will always remember our beautiful, kind and lovely boy.”

Police are conducting an inquiry on behalf of the corner into the crash and have asked anyone with information to e-mail sciu@lancashire.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 45 of March 30.