PARENTS of an 11-year-old boy who died after a car crash in Essex have paid tribute to his “kind and polite” character.

Ethan Linwood was the front seat passenger of a black Peugeot 206 when it lost control and ploughed into a tree on the B1051 near Thaxted.

He was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, following the crash around 9.30pm on Wednesday, October 3. He died there on Monday, October 8.

The Thaxted-based driver, a 19-year-old woman, was also injured. She was also taken to Addenbrooke’s where she remains in a stable condition.

Ethan, who enjoyed playing golf and football, had last month started at Saffron Walden County High School, having left Great Sampford Primary School in the summer.

His parents Morag and Robert Linwood said: “Ethan and his sister adored each other. She was the big sister who was overly protective and advised him on this hair and clothes. He was the little brother who bribed with popcorn and would curl up with her and watch Disney DVDs.

“In short Ethan loved life and he loved people. Everyone who met Ethan was touched by his kindness and politeness. Everyone who knew him will miss him greatly.”

Ethan was born in Cambridge before moves to Finchingfield and most latterly Great Sampford, where he lived with his parents and sister.

He was keen on sport and for the last six years had taken lessons at Saffron Walden Golf Club every Saturday morning.

He also played for Thaxted Rangers Football Club where, according to his parents, “he loved the social aspect nearly as much as the football”.

Ethan won the Iris Woodward Award for Citizenship shortly before leaving Great Sampford Primary School in the summer.

His headteacher’s leaving comments to him were: “I have always found Ethan to be the most delightful character, who never seems to have a bad word to say about anyone or anything. Well done Ethan, it has been a great pleasure to have you at Great Sampford, your sense of humour will be missed and I wish you every success for the future.”