THE heartbroken parents of a teenager killed in a head-on car crash today spoke of their devastation after the untimely death of their "good-hearted" son.

Driver Richard Sharp, 18, of Melville Avenue, Barnoldswick, died after attempting to overtake a car in Kelbrook on Thursday night.

He died from his injuries at the scene on Colne Road after his Fiat was in collision with a Vauxhall Omega travelling in the opposite direction at 10.20pm.

Police said his car left the road and went into a wall near the Old Stone Trough country hotel.

Highways bosses revealed that it was the first serious road accident since a major safety scheme was carried out on the road back in December 2000.

The £14,500 initiative came after a series of horrific crashes and involved improving signs and double white lines.

Prior to the scheme there were eight accidents in less than three years of which three involved death or serious injury and five involved slight injury.

The tragic accident has left his family and friends shattered.

His mother Jean Brown, also of Melville Avenue, and dad Andrew Sharp, of a different address in Barnoldswick, put together a joint statement.

They said: "Richard was loved dearly by his family who are deeply traumatised and upset by his death.

"Richard had lived in Barnoldswick all his life and attended West Craven High School where he had a keen interest in rugby.

"He had worked as a paper boy while he was at school and more recently in the engineering and concreting industry.

"He was always a hard working lad who had a kind disposition and a good heart and many friends.

"He will be deeply missed."

Sergeant Martin Bishop said: "Early indications show that he has been carrying out an overtaking manoeuvre and lost control of the car.

"The vehicle then went sideways into an oncoming vehicle, a Vauxhall Omega, driven by Kevin Rowley, 59, of Burnley, who is still in Burnley General Hospital recovering from a fractured sternum and fractured ribs."

Richard leaves three brothers.

A post mortem examination was scheduled to take place today.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.