MORE than 40 friends and family of a keen football fan, killed in a road accident in Preston at the weekend are clubbing together for a special wreath.

The floral tribute will carry the words 'Blackpool Road Boys' and will be placed on the coffin of their pal, James Gerrard, along with a shirt in the blue and white colours of Chelsea, his favourite football team.

James Gerrard, 21, who has a two-year-old son, Jordan Lee Gerrard Coulton, died on Saturday June 25, when the blue Renault 19 he was a passenger in collided with a wall in Cow Hill, Grimsargh, at about 4am.

James, known to friends as Gerrard, and formerly of Chestnut Crescent, Ribbleton, died at the scene. The 19-year-old driver, who has not been named, is being treated at Royal Preston Hospital for serious injuries.

The pair were trapped in the car and had to be freed by firefighters with the help of paramedics.

James's mum, Susan O'Neill, said: "James was a Chelsea football fan with a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.

"He was a well-loved lad and always had a smile on his face."

"We accept he wasn't the perfect angel but he was just James.

"He loved his son who will be three in August and had just bought him a bike for his birthday."

James, who was due to start a new job as a labourer on Monday, was a gardening enthusiast and looked after the gardens of friends and family.

Mrs O'Neill said: "The tragedy of his death has torn his family apart."

Family friend, mother-of-five Caroline Angus, 43, of Chestnut Crescent, said James was best friends with her son, Thomas, 20, and was like a surrogate son.

"He used to light up the room and you would always know when he was around. He was very cheeky," she said.

"He used to live with Thomas and they used to come and see me when they got in from a night out. They were funny together. A real pair."

Her son, Michael, 16, said: "We want to make sure we give him a proper send off.

"He was a really sound lad and he'll be really missed."

James also leaves sister, Candy, 27, brothers Ashley, 19, and Luke, 17, and three step-sisters and a step-brother.

The coroner has been informed and an inquest into his death is expected to be opened soon.

A police investigation into the accident has been launched.