A VICAR used the funeral of a popular Ryedale teenager who died in an horrific car crash to give other young motorists a "wake up call".

The Rev Bill Ankers addressed more than 400 mourners who packed in St Peter's Church, Norton, for the funeral of 18-year-old Jonathan William Ward, of Park Road, Norton, who died earlier this month when his van hit a lorry on the A64 near York.

He said: "Today there will be many of Jonathan's friends here, young people with their own motor cars. This is the ninth or tenth time that I've had to bury one of our young people after a road traffic accident."

He blamed "youthful over-confidence" and "traffic pressures" for the tragedies and urged young people to take more care and think of the pain their loss would cause to loved ones.

"Let it be a wake up call for you, to help you to recognise just how you drive and the unnecessary risks that you may take and think of those who love you," said Mr Ankers.

The young mechanic's coffin was draped in a Manchester United shirt and a number 14 Heslerton FC shirt that read "Wardy". On top of the coffin was the number plate of his cherished blue Ford Escort, A10 JWW, and a football fashioned from flowers.

In an emotional speech, Jonathan's 15-year-old sister said: "Never a day will go by when you are not in our thoughts. I'll love you and miss you forever bro."

His girlfriend of three years, Kayleigh Birtles, tearfully paid tribute to "the best ever boyfriend and friend anyone could ever wish for".

The church heard Jonathan was a fan of Formula One motor racing. His blue Ford Escort was his pride and joy. He often met his friends with their cars in Wentworth Street car park, Malton, to go cruising. The teenager was a skilled footballer, having played with Brooklyn FC, in Norton, from the age of six, and then for Heslerton FC, for several years. His team mates were among the mourners, wearing the club's colours. A written tribute from the team's manager, Dean Storry, described him as: "a hard- working player who always gave 100 per cent every game, who was always there for other team members. He was always a true blue."

Jonathan died instantly when his van hit a lorry on the A64 near The Highwayman Caf, near Stockton-on-the-Forest, at 2.30pm on July 12. He leaves his mum and dad, Jan and Dave, and sister, Sarah.

The Evening Press was invited to attend the funeral.

Updated: 09:18 Saturday, July 23, 2005