TRIBUTES have been paid to a 20-year-old man from Ramsbottom who was killed when his car hit a tree.

Jamie Paton, a former pupil at Woodhey High School, died when his Seat Arosa crashed on the A6 in Cumbria.

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The incident happened close to the Blue Bell Hotel in the village of Heversham.

Police, firefighters and paramedics attended the scene on Princes Way.

Fire crews used specialist equipment to cut Mr Paton free, but the Levens resident was pronounced dead at the scene following the incident, which happened at around 10.30pm on Wednesday, September 24.

His family said in a statement: “We are shattered by his sudden passing following a car accident.

“Jamie will be remembered by us for his passion for music, amazing guitar-playing and love for cars. He was very generous and kind-hearted combined with a cheeky sense of humour.”

Brian Roadnight, headteacher at Woodhey High School, said: “All the staff at the school were devastated to hear the news of Jamie’s death.

“He was a quiet but confident and reliable pupil.

“We remember him as someone who liked to play the guitar and who enjoyed having competitions to see how long he could grow his hair.

“We were all very sad to hear that his life was taken tragically.

“The family was well known at the school as his older brother Stuart also came here.”

Police are now investigating the incident and ask anyone with information to contact PC Hansen on 101.