THOUSANDS of mourners were today attending the funeral of two men who died when a sports car spun out of control and hit a tree.

The service was due to take place at Pleasington cemetery and community leaders were expected to join family and friends.

Ifan Ahmed Musa, 24, of St James Place, and Suhel Congress, 20, of Shear Brow, died as they travelled towards Blackburn on the A59 at Samlesbury just before 5pm on Saturday.

The men were travelling home in a Mercedes 500 two-seater convertible.

It is thought Ifan lost control of the car on a left hand bend going uphill before the car hit a lamp-post and a tree.

Ifan was married on July 31 and died just days after returning from honeymoon with his wife, Zainab, 23.

The smash has now prompted renewed calls for safety measures on the A59.

The local community were said to be devastated following the crash and the friends were due to be buried in a joint service.

Suhel's uncle Abdul Congress said: "Suhel was a very nice boy, he was very polite. We loved him very much.

"We have lost a family member and can't forget him. He was such a lovely boy. Some road improvements are necessary there."

Suhel was a Blackburn Rovers fan and worked in a call centre for BT. He studied at Witton Park High School and then Blackburn College for two years and had just been on holiday to Dubai.

A friend of the family said: "He was popular, a great lad. He was quiet and always cared about everybody.

"You need at least two to three speed cameras there.

There should be cameras and crash barriers. That would be a very, very good investment on that road.

He was loved by so many people. It is unbelievable, he had such a big heart, he could do anything for you."

Coun Hussain Akhtar, Shear Brow representative for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said he would be attending the funeral.

He said: "I've been to see both families to pay my respects. It's a sad day for the community and for the families.

"I have asked both families if there is anything I can do."

The crash, which happened on the Blackburn-bound duel carriageway between the M6 junction and the Swallow Hotel, is the second multiple fatal accident at the same spot in nine months.

Police have said speed was a factor in both crashes, but have previously ruled out safety improvements.

Ifan helped organise football teams in the Asian community. He was manager of AC Milham, a Blackburn seven-a-side team that plays in the Blackburn Community midweek seven-a-side league at Witton Park. Suhel also played football in the same league.

Matches have been cancelled this week as a mark of respect.