THE brother of a man who died when his high-powered car span out of control has backed the Lancashire Telegraph's Wasted Lives campaign.

Faizal Burya said: "There is definitely a problem with young drivers behaving irresponsibly behind the wheel - driving at crazy speeds.

"I know the hurt a death on the road can cause and things like the Telegraph campaign are welcome."

Faizal's brother Irfan, 24, and his friend Suhel Congress, 20, died in a crash as they travelled towards Blackburn on the A59 at Samlesbury.

Both men lived in the Shear Brow area of Blackburn and Irfan had been married to wife, Zainab, 23, for just days at the time of the smash in August 2005.

The two men were returning home from seeing friends in Preston in the Mercedes 500 two-seater sports convertible when the accident happened, just before 5pm.

It is thought Irfan lost control of the car on a left-hand bend going uphill before the car hit a lamppost and collided with a tree.

Both men were killed instantly. Police said speed was a factor in the crash.

Irfan and Suhel were local amateur footballers and last weekend a tournament was held at the JJB Soccerdome in Haslingden Road in their memory. Money raised went to fund the children's teams at Blackburn United, who Irfan played for.

Hundreds took part and it is hoped that the torunament will become an annual event.

Faizal, 18, a student at St Mary's College, Blackburn, went to the event said: "It's been difficult since the accident to keen a smile on my face but events like the football tournament help.

"Irfan and Suhel both loved football and it's great to keep their memory alive.

"It is also about spreading the word that it is important to be safe when you are driving.

"Irfan was a not driving at crazy speeds, he might have been going a little bit fast when the accident happened, the car just went out of control.

"But there are a lot of people who are not sensible when driving.

"I would urge people not to be stupid in their cars. People need to be aware of the dangers and the Wasted Lives campaign is helping that."