A MAN has been charged with causing the death of a 13-year-old who was killed in a car smash, police revealed today.

Shane Cook, who lived at a council-run care home in Anchor Avenue, Darwen, died on March 16 after a car he was travelling in crashed off Preston New Road, near Samlesbury, at 1.30am.

Now police have confirmed that Karl Thomson, 24, of Taylor Street, Blackburn, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, disqualified driving, drink driving and driving with no insurance on May 13.

He will appear at Preston Crown Court for a plea and directions hearing and is currently on remand at Preston Prison.

Shane's father Wayne, 41, of Leigh, Greater Manchester, said he had just been informed somebody had been charged in connection with the incident, but was still struggling to come to terms with his son's death.

Mr Cook, who is separated from Shane's mother, who lives in Blackburn, said: "I'm glad the police are investigating Shane's death. I'm still really struggling to understand and come to terms with what happened.

"Shane's death was devastating. He was a really friendly lad, who liked his football and rugby."

"I'm hoping to see the results of the social services inquiry into what happened, as Shane was in their care at the time he died."

After Shane's death, the spot where the incident occurred, near the junction with the A59, was strewn with tributes.

Shane's body was cremated on March 26 at Pleasington cemetery, after a service at St John Vianney's Church, Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for social services Councillor Maureen Bateson, said: "The social services department commissioned an independent case review. A copy of the report has now been released to the young person's parents.

"The council offers its deepest sympathy to the family, but cannot comment further, pending the outcome of the prosecution of the driver of the vehicle concerned."