A POPULAR young mechanic from Clitheroe was killed after he lost control of his high performance Ford Capri on a canal bridge.

Gareth John Dickins, 18, of York Street, died at the scene of the horrific accident in Blackburn Road, Clayton-le-Moors.

His friend, Bryan Fox, of Windsor Avenue in Church, who was a front seat passenger in the Capri, escaped with minor injuries.

Police today appealed for witnesses as they investigated the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

And Gareth's devastated family and friends have said the popular lad will be sadly missed.

A police spokesman said Gareth had just negotiated the canal bridge near the Whalley Road junction when his car clipped the kerb, crashed into a garden wall and struck a parked Ford Escort at 11.45am yesterday.

Flatmate Adrian Rigby, 20, said the dead youngster had nipped out from Accrington and Rossendale College where he is a day release student to buy some parts for his car.

"His car was his pride and joy. He was a great driver and knew what he was doing. It just hasn't sunk in yet. He was a nice lad and liked by everyone," he said. Gareth also lived with his brother, Duncan Dickins, who said family members were devastated by the tragedy.

Girlfriend Zoe Smithies, of Littlemoor Road in Clitheroe, also paid tribute: "We had been courting for three years and were inseparable. He was wonderful and I just can't believe he's gone. He was the best boyfriend you could have hoped for. I will miss him badly."

Both young men were on the same motor vehicle course at the college, where principal Michael Austin said: "It is a terrible loss of a young life and all our sympathies are with his family."

He added that their thoughts were also with the injured student during his recovery.

Paramedics spent 45 minutes trying to revive Gareth after firefighters cut him from the wreckage, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is believed no other car was involved in the accident, but anybody with information should call Accrington Police on 01254 382141.

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