A MAN who died in a car crash has been described as the 'glue' that held his family together.

Adnan Nazir, was driving a Skoda Octavia when it came off Whalley Road and crashed into a woodland, heading into Clitheroe, at around 6.15am on Sunday.

The 21-year-old, from Nelson, a former Pendle Vale College pupil, suffered 'multiple injuries' and was pronounced dead after being treated by emergency services.

Waqas Ahmed, Adnan's brother, said he was a very bubbly and intelligent person.

He said: "He was the star of the family, he was the glue that held everyone together.

"He was really into football and loved cricket, he was a big fan of the England and Pakistan teams and followed them religiously on television.

"He had recently bought his dad a car and was saving up money to help pay for his parents to go on pilgrimage.

"He was gentle, loving and funny.

"We've had so many kind messages from his friends, its been very overwhelming."

Police closed the A671 Whalley Road in both directions following the incident near Clitheroe Golf Club and Limehouse Farm.

Nobody else was in the vehicle or injured.

The road was closed between Primrose Road and the A59 for around five hours while police dealt with the crash.

It reopened shortly before 1pm.

Drivers had to be advised to find alternative routes in the area and slow traffic was caused by the closures.

Sgt Adam Dawson, of Lancashire Police, said: "My thoughts are with the driver of the vehicle, his family and his friends at this very difficult time.

"These are tragic circumstances.

"We are appealing for information following the collision and would urge anyone who saw what happened to contact police.

"Furthermore, if you saw the vehicle described in the moments before the incident, please get in touch."

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans described the accident as 'tragic' and said his thoughts were with the friends and family of the deceased at this time.

He said: "This man's friends and family will have felt the world around them shatter after this tragic event.

"All we can do is pour out our condolences to them.

"I hope anybody who witnessed the accident will voluntarily approach the police themselves to give some sort of witness statement.

"We need to know the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.

"In their investigation I do hope the police will look to see if there were any contributory factors to prevent this type of accident happening again and make this public with County Hall."