THE parents of a five-year-old boy killed in a road accident have paid tribute to their son.

Ryan Thomas Ashbrook died on Friday evening after he was involved in a collision with a Ford Transit van outside his home in Hope Street, Leigh.

The youngster was rushed to the Royal Bolton Hospital after the accident at 7.10pm but he was declared dead on arrival.

Parents Melvin Ashbrook, aged 31, and Joanne Lock, also aged 31, said in a statement: "Ryan will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

"He attended St John's Infants School in Leigh where he was popular with his teachers and classmates alike. He was a happy and fun-loving child who was always laughing.

"Ryan loved spending time playing out with his friends and playing football with his older brother Jason. We spent a lot of time with him and are devastated by this tragedy."

Amjad Mahmood, 40, of Taunton Avenue, Leigh has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving; attempting to pervert the course of justice by pretending to be a witness to the accident; failing to stop and failing to report an accident. He has been bailed.

Inspector Chris Burrows said Ryan had been with a group of other children when he is believed to have run into the road and been involved in a collision with a vehicle.