THE devastated family of a teenager who died in a motorway crash today paid tribute to their "bubbly and happy" son who was "loved by everyone".

Their moving tribute came as Carl Vause's dad, who was driving, remained in a serious condition in hospital.

Carl, 19, of Amber Avenue, Roe Lee, Blackburn, was returning from his first week in a new job in London with his father, a builder, also called Carl, when their van collided with a black Mercedes.

The accident happened on the M6 in Staffordshire on Saturday.

His mum, Susan, who flew back from Ireland on Sunday, where she moved to two years ago after separating from Carl senior, said today she could not believe what had happened, and was struggling to come to terms with it.

An inquest has been opened into the death of the teenager, who died instantly after their grey Escort van was ripped in half.

A date is yet to be set for a full inquest. The young man's injuries included haemorrhages of the brain, as well as bruising to the lungs and chest due to rib fracture.

Police in Stafford, who closed the motorway for more than six hours to clear the wreckage, are now investigating.

Carl senior, 42, who is at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, was due to have a second operation today on his leg to put in a steel plate after having already been in theatre for plastic surgery to his face.

Doctors said he is set to make a full recovery.

His son, who was an avid Blackburn Rovers fan, will have a coffin designed with the image of Ewood Park with one side showing the view from seat 192, row two of the upper tier of the Jack Walker stand, where he had a season ticket with his Grandad, Frank.

And six of the former Pleckgate High School's closet friends will carry the coffin wearing specially ordered Rovers shirts with "Vausey 9" on the back.

Susan, 40 said: "I just can't believe it is real. I am so happy to have had him, I just wish it could have been for longer. He was so bubbly and happy. He always smiled.

"He was always having a joke as well and winding anyone up he could.

"He was so popular and loved by everyone. A real charmer."

His friends are also planning to get tattoos done commemorating Carl.

His sister Sammy, 18, of The Stanley Arms Hotel, Pemberton Street, Blackburn, is just 14 months younger than Carl, and is also having his name tattooed on her stomach in his memory.

Sammy, who works at clothes shop Butterflies Fashions in Whalley New Road, Blackburn, said: "I can't come to terms with it yet. I just remember how much he always would wind me up for a laugh. He had so many friends, including me.

"My dad doesn't remember much and he's not really talking much.

"He just keeps saying how much of a great time they had had together."

Carl's fiance Eileen Davey, 20, who lived at Carl's house, was too upset to talk and had gone back to live at her mum's in Leicester Road, Whitebirk.

The former Roe Lee Primary School pupil also loved to play football as a member of various local football teams including the Stanley Arms.

His family said Carl was just finding his feet in the building trade and there was a possibility the week's work he had done with his dad in London could become a permanent job.

Carl, who eventually wanted to be an electrician, had once said to friends "when I die I don't want anyone to wear black and I want to go in style" which started the idea of the Rovers-themed funeral.

Grandad Frank, 67, of Ramsgreave Drive, Blackburn said: "I didn't think I would be able to face going back to Rovers without him but I have made myself.

"I have been a fan for 60 years. He wouldn't want me to give that up. I have been taking him since he was 10."

Susan added: "I spoke to him on the Friday and he was having a great time.

"He said it could become permanent. He said he'd speak to me again on Sunday.

"He used to call me Suzie for a joke sometimes instead of mum.

"The last thing he said to me was love you Suzie'."

A funeral is planned for May 18 at St Gabriel's church followed by burial at Pleasington cemetery.