THE PARENTS of a teenage car smash victim have told about their fears for his safety and said: "We couldn't stop him doing something he loved so much."

Family and friends were due to gather today for the funeral of Christopher Gavin Woodward, 19, at St Cuthbert's Church, Darwen.

The popular vehicle painter died as he was returning home to Preston New Road, Blackburn, after visiting friends in Darwen last Saturday.

He lost control of his prized 16-valve Renault Clio on a bend in Whitebirk Drive, Blackburn.

The car, which he had bought in March this year, hit a lamppost and burst into flames.

His main passions in life were cars and bikes and he was also a keen follower of World Superbike Champion Carl Fogarty. Christopher was close to his family, which includes three sisters Charlotte, 14, Claire, 13, and Olivia, 18 months.

His devastated parents Graham, 38, and Lynne, 39, recently moved from their family home in Hartington Road, Darwen, where they had lived for the last 15 years.

They paid tribute to their "happy-go-lucky, kind and honest son."

Mrs Woodward said: "From the first day Christopher set foot in a car, we were always worried about him speeding.

"It's every parent's worst nightmare to lose a son this way, but we couldn't stop him doing something he loved so much.

"He had always been around cars, his own was always immaculate, and he was a skilled driver.

"We knew he would never do anything stupid or go fast with other people in the car.

"He was unlucky that the road was wet when the accident happened." Christopher, known as Woody to his friends, had worked at Tony Knowles Motor Bodies in Ordnance Street, Blackburn, since leaving Darwen Vale High School.

He was a fourth year day-release student on an NVQ vehicle refinishing course at Blackburn College.

The accident repair centre has closed for the day and staff plan to mount his paint spray gun in a display cabinet in reception as a permanent tribute.

Mrs Woodward added: "We have had a lot of support from Chris's friends from school, work and college.

"We have been amazed at just how much people thought of him.

"Everybody had a soft spot for me because he lived for today and was really laid back, kind and honest.

"We were really proud of him and all who knew him will miss him so much."

Mr Woodward is appealing for the safe return of Chris's mobile telephone which was lost at Utopia Nightclub in Blackburn on the night before his death.

He said: "Christopher didn't like jewellery or watches, so the telephone has a lot of sentimental value. He'd sprayed it purple to match his car and we'd really like to get it back."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.