THE GRIEVING parents of a young farmer who died in a car crash which left his cousin fighting for life have spoken of their anguish.

Bricklaying apprentice and Accrington and Rossendale College student James Mark Dewhurst, 16, died when the Peugeot 205, being driven by his cousin Samuel Lund, 19, crashed.

It is thought, the pair, who were best friends, were looking forward to a night out together when the accident happened in Rimington Lane, near Gisburn, at around 8.15pm on Saturday.

Police said the vehicle hit a tree and turned over. It was on its side when emergency crews arrived.

James, of Fir Trees Barn, Rimington, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sam, also of Rimington, was taken to Burnley General Hospital with serious head injuries.

He was transferred to Royal Blackburn Hospital where his family began a bedside vigil. His condition yesterday was "critical".

James, affectionately nicknamed Babdew', played rugby for West Craven Warriors and was well known in the local community and in the young farmers circle.

A family statement from his parents Michael and Janet Dewhurst said: "He was best friends with Sam, they did everything together."

After leaving Bowland High School, Grindleton, James went to work at Cowking, a building contractors in Waddington before starting an apprenticeship to become a bricklayer last July.

His hobbies included poultry keeping, hawking, game keeping and many outdoor pursuits.

The statement added: "His life was spent in the outdoors come rain or shine.

"He loved anything to do with nature and was a game keepers assistant to Russell Bury and had worked at Whitewell Shoot, where he had been highly commended for his work.

"He had a great personality, a good sense of humour and was always making everyone laugh. He was very outgoing and charismatic."

Sergeant Keith Jackson appealed for any witnesses to contact police on 01254 353767.

Friends of James have paid tribute to him on our website - click here to read them and add your own comments.