A MOTHER has paid tribute to her only son, described as her 'rock', who was killed in a car crash early today.

Market trader Oliver Jones, 20, lost control of his Citroen Saxo on a right hand bend of the A59 Clitheroe Road in Sawley.

His car left the road and hit a stone wall at 4.50am. He suffered serious head injuries and died at the scene.

His mother Carol said: “Oliver was my only son, he was my rock. He was well liked and very popular and recently returned to his first love football and played for the first team at Settle United.

“Oliver started going to Settle and Skipton market from an early age with his dad, and 18 months ago he started working with him full-time. He was excellent at selling due to his personality.

“His main passion was to socialise with his friends, so the hole he leaves will never be filled.

“He will be sadly missed.”

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen Mr Jones hit the bridge on his way home to Settle.

Sgt Mick Young from the road policing unit said: “At this stage, we do not believe any other vehicles were involved but an investigation is underway and I would appeal to anybody that witnessed this collision to contact Lancashire Police on 101.

“A police family liaison officer is supporting Oliver’s family at this difficult time.”

Clitheroe Road was closed for six hours to allow for an investigation and for debris to be removed.