THE mother of a 17-year-old boy who died following a car crash in Langenhoe has spoken of the “best son any mum could wish for”.

Roddy Ashworth

THE mother of a 17-year-old boy who died following a car crash in Langenhoe has spoken of the “best son any mum could wish for”.

Gary Pitchford, of Speedwell Road, Colchester, died at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge following the crash on Monday night in which the silver Peugeot 106 he was travelling in slammed into a tree on Abberton Road.

In a written statement following his death on Wednesday, Gary's parents Diane and Kevin, brother Wayne, sister Hayley and Grandfather Douglas Powell paid tribute to the teenager.

They said that Gary, also known as Gaz, was the youngest child in the family and went to Old Heath and St Lawrence Schools before attending Thomas Lord Audley School (TLA) in Colchester.

While at TLA he rose to become a prefect and, following hard work, achieved good results in his GCSEs.

He was studying for a B Tec in public services as his ambition was to become a firefighter.

Gary was a keen Liverpool fan and was interested in mopeds and cars. He also enjoyed fitness and gym work and playing on his X-Box with friends.

He was described as being brilliant with children and he loved being with his cousins. His family said he had “a lovely smile and a fantastic sense of humour”.

Last year, Gary went to Australia with his father and brother to stay with relatives and during his visit achieved his ambition of climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge.

His mother Diane said: “Gary was the most caring, considerate fun loving boy who would do anything for anyone, he was the best son any mum could wish for and I love him very much. Heaven has a special angel.”

His brother Wayne said: “He wasn't just my brother he was my best friend”, while his sister Hayley added: “He meant the world to everyone but words cannot express what he meant to me - 'You'll never walk alone'”.

* A 17-year-old girl from Colchester has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and is currently on police bail until mid-July.