THE stunned parents of a young man who was killed in an horrific head-on crash today paid tribute to the talented footballer and mechanic.

Jonathan Ward, 18, died instantly when his van was in collision with a lorry on the A64 near The Highwayman Caf, near Stockton-on-the-Forest, on Tuesday afternoon.

His parents Janine and Dave, his 15-year-old sister Sarah, his extended family and his wide circle of friends, including his former girlfriend of three years, Kayleigh Birtles, are all wracked with grief.

"You couldn't wish for a better son," said Dave, 49. "He was no problem; we never had any problems with him at all. Whatever you asked him to do, he just did it. He was good at everything."

Mr Ward said he felt sympathy for the lorry driver after the trauma he suffered in the accident.

Jonathan, of Park Road, Norton, had been on an errand to pick up paint from York when tragedy struck.

The former Norton Primary School pupil had worked at his father's and uncle's haulage company, Ward Bros Malton Ltd, at the Showfield Lane Industrial Estate, Malton, for two years.

He had just qualified as a mechanic after passing a City and Guilds course at Norton College.

The lifelong Manchester United supporter was a talented centre midfielder with Heslerton FC, who train at West Heslerton, near Malton.

Jonathan's bedroom, which is painted red in his favourite team's colours, has shelves stacked with football trophies.

He was named players' Player Of The Year 2004-2005, and Leading Goal Scorer runner-up 2003-2004. He also has trophies to mark his role in making Heslerton FC Division Three champions in 2004-2005, and McCain Cup Champions 2004-2005.

He began playing football with Brooklyn FC, in Norton, at the age of six.

Janine and Dave said they were enormously proud of their son's football talent, and said he was also a gifted runner.

One of Jonathan's great passions was his Ford Escort, which he took great pride in and had rubbed down, sprayed and retuned with his dad's help. "He wasn't a fast driver," said Dave.

Jonathan celebrated his 18th birthday on April 10. His mum said that her son had only wanted a small party at home, but he was so popular that 50 of his friends attended.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed.

Updated: 10:07 Thursday, July 14, 2005