THE devastated parents of a York man killed in a tragic road accident today paid tribute to their "fun-loving son".

Malcolm and Stella Parker said 20-year-old James was a talented chef.

James, also known as Jamie, or Lad to his friends, died early on Thursday morning when his Peugeot 106 veered off the A19 south of Crockey Hill, between York and Selby.

Mrs Parker said James was a young man who "loved life" and "loved his job". He had followed in his father's footsteps and had become a trained chef - recently landing a job at the prestigious Meltons Too restaurant, in Walmgate.

She said: "His friends say he was quite a dancer. He was a happy and sunny boy and very popular.

"When we heard what had happened, his friends came around. There were about 25 of them, there wasn't enough room in the house. I think that says a lot about Jamie."

As a child, James attended Joseph Rowntree School and was a promising rugby player. He also enjoyed fishing.

As a chef, he won a heat at last year's York Festival of Food and Drink and was awarded joint second place in the final.

James had two brothers, Craig 22, and Lee, 25. Mrs Parker said he also had a girlfriend, Rhiannon.

Stella and Malcolm said they had received a letter from Michael Hjort, the owner of Meltons Too, expressing his condolences.

Mrs Parker said: "He was such a lovely boy and had such a cheeky smile. We are all very proud of him."

Mrs Parker also backed calls for improved safety on the A19 at Crockey Hill, which has been labelled an accident blackspot by road watchdogs.

Selby MP John Grogan and Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh have also put their weight behind demands to make the road safer.

James is one of at least five people to be killed in a road accident on the A19 south of York in the last three years.

Mr Grogan said he planned to meet North Yorkshire County Council and the police in July to see what could be done.

James's brother, Craig, said: "He was a very good dancer and very popular. We love him very much and will always miss him."

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, at St Mary's Church, in Haxby, at 1pm, followed by interment at Haxby and Wigginton Cemetery.

Updated: 10:27 Monday, May 26, 2003