THE grieving mother of a teenager who was killed in a car crash which also claimed the life of his friend has paid tribute to her “popular, caring” son.

THE grieving mother of a teenager who was killed in a car crash which also claimed the life of his friend has paid tribute to her “popular, caring” son.

Sam Palmer was driving a Volkswagen Golf with friend Lewis Pratt when they were involved in a head-on collision last month.

The 17-year-olds both died at the scene of the crash, which happened on the Somersham Road, Bramford, near Ipswich, on November 10.

A mother and her eight-year-old daughter, travelling in a Seat, were also involved in the crash but escaped serious injury.

Last night, heartbroken mother Linda Palmer paid tribute to her son, who was a former pupil at Claydon High School and worked as an apprentice mechanic at Somersham Garage.

She said: “Sam was a popular, caring teenager who lived his life to the full.

“He worked as an apprentice mechanic at a local garage in Somersham and, away from work, he enjoyed playing tennis and had a keen interest in radio controlled cars and planes.

“We weren't aware how popular he was until the recent funeral service at Ipswich crematorium.

“The number of people who turned up to pay their respects was overwhelming and we'd like to thank all those who attended for their support and kind words.

“I would like to personally thank close friends and family members for their ongoing support for which I am forever indebted.”

Sam, of Springfield Road in Lower Somersham, had worked at the garage in the village for about a year.

Last month, garage owner David Haughton told the EADT: “It's a great loss and very, very sad.

“They were a pair of nice lads. It really is such a waste.”

Lewis' mother Sheena also told how she had driven past the scene of the crash, which happened about 300 yards from where he worked at Palmer Fencing. Lewis lived at Castle Road, Offton.

Paying tribute, she said: “He was loved by so many people. I'm going to miss him very, very much.

“We just wish we could have him back. There are so many little things you just cannot express.

“He was a very affectionate boy. He would do anything for his mates and never let them down.”