A SELBY teenager who had just landed the job of his dreams has died in hospital after a road accident.

Steven Ross Adams, 18, of Camblesforth, finally lost his fight for life in the intensive care unit at Leeds General Infirmary three days after his 50cc moped left the road on a bend at nearby Drax.

Today his heartbroken family said they were "utterly devastated" by the tragic waste of life of a young man who had everything to live for.

Steven had lived in Camblesforth all his life before moving to Blackpool a few years ago with his parents, David and Ann, who had bought a guest house in the town.

But he returned to his home village five months ago to live with his grandfather, Derek Adams, so he could take up a job offer as a trainee telecoms engineer in the Leeds office of York-based JWE Telecom.

His uncle Nigel Adams, speaking on behalf of the family, said: "Everyone is shattered. Steven was a lovely lad who was really excited about his new job.

"He had been a builder's labourer in Blackpool and was really enjoying his job in Leeds - he never stopped talking about it and had a really bright future.

"Steven was a shy, quiet lad but when he came out of his shell and people got to know him, they thought the world of him."

Mr Adams, a recently retired director of JWE Telecom who got Steven his new job, said: "He had lots of friends, was popular at work and his bosses were very pleased with him."

Work colleagues and company chairman Bob Kennedy went to see Steven in hospital where he was being treated for severe head injuries.

Mr Adams said: "He put up a real fight and hung on for three days."

Mr Kennedy said: "To lose a young man in the prime of his life is dreadful. He was well thought of by his colleagues and everyone is dumbstruck."

Steven, a former pupil at Brayton High School, also leaves a sister, Louise, 16.

The funeral service will be held next Friday at Carlton Parish Church.