Tributes have been paid to two teenagers who were killed in separate road accidents.

Thomas Bentham, 18, of Mawdesley died when his car hit a tree at 12.20am on Saturday.

The accident happened as he was travelling along The Marshes Lane, Mere Brow, near Southport.

His blue Citroen Saxo saloon left the road and collided with a tree.

A 17-year-old male passenger was thrown out of the car sustaining serious, but not life threatening injuries, and was taken to Royal Preston Hospital. Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash.

Thomas attended Bishop Rawstorne Language College for five years, leaving in July 2004.

Head teacher George Lloyd paid tribute to him. He said: "Tom was a very popular student with a great sense of fun. He had a very warm and engaging personality.

"Tom was particularly interested in country pursuits. He was well liked by people of all ages and all those who were privileged to know him enjoyed his company.

"This is a tragic loss, not only to his family, but also for the whole college community and the surrounding villages. There has been a resounding and devastating impact on everyone who knew Tom. Our prayers and thoughts are with Mr and Mrs Bentham, their daughter and family at this sad time."

In a separate incident Jonathan Hart, 17, was killed when his scooter collided with a pick-up truck in Church Road, Leyland, at around 7.40am on Wednesday, January 18.

The teenager, who was a motocross champion, was travelling to work when his 50cc Aprilla collided with the Toyota pick-up.

Jonathan, a former pupil of Parklands High School, Chorley, was travelling to his job at DTJ Electrical where he was an apprentice electrician. He rode to work each day on the scooter from his home in the Southport Road area of Chorley.

Parents John and Angela said: "We are still coming to terms with Jonathan's sad death. His friends will remember him as a very keen motocross rider and competitor.

"He will be sadly missed by us, by his sister and by other family members. He had so much to live for." Jonathan's boss, Derek Jukes, chairman of DTJ Electrical, said he started with the company last August and was an extremely hard worker.

He said: "He had a great future and was doing well. He was well liked by everybody at the company."

Jonathan was a successful motocross rider, coming second in the North West championships this year and winning a race in Telford.

Jean McGrath, head of Parklands High, said: "Jonathan was extremely popular. He was a successful athlete and was district long-jump champion and won the Lancashire championship with the basketball team.

"He will be sadly missed by all at Parklands."

The inquest into Jonathan's death opened on Tuesday, January 24, and was adjourned

Jonathan's funeral will be held on Friday at 3pm at St Mary's Parish Church, Town Gate, Eccleston.

The 19-year-old driver of the Toyota pick-up was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. He was later given police bail until March 24. Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident. Anyone with information should call Sgt Alan Barron on 01257 246281.