FRIENDS and family of a 19-year-old who died in a car accident gathered in St Neots on Thursday, August 5 to see a sculpture unveiled in his memory.

FRIENDS and family of a 19-year-old who died in a car accident gathered in St Neots on Thursday, August 5 to see a sculpture unveiled in his memory.

Laurence Moody, 19, of Great Paxton, died after losing control of his car on Huntingdon Road, St Neots, in November 2008.

The sculpture, which is in the shape of seats from a sports car and includes a steering wheel and pedals, has been designed not only as a tribute to Lozza – as he was known to friends – but also to allow the town’s youngsters to have fun.

It has been sited near the play area by the Ambiance Caf� in Riverside Park.

Debbie Moody, Laurence’s mother, told The Hunts Post: “The sculpture is here to help raise awareness of Laurence’s accident, but also, as he was such a car orientated person who loved coming down here with all his friends, it’s the perfect location for the tribute.

“There is not a lot in the town for youngsters to do, but with this I hope it’s something they can have fun with and enjoy.”

Huntingdonshire District Council was originally approached by Laurence’s friends and family in January last year to help fund the sculpture and agreed to match whatever sum was raised at his funeral.

Mrs Moody said the initial idea for a tribute came from a friend of Laurence’s, Charlie Austin.

“We originally asked about the possibility of having a bench put down here by the car park where all the youngsters gather,” she said. “But when the council started looking into Laurence, they came to the same conclusion as we did, that because Laurence was a bit extrovert – 6ft 4in and full of fun – we thought a bench didn’t really seem fitting.

“The council then got in touch with the forge, and they came up with this idea, so then it was really all in their hands.”

Mrs Moody added that she was delighted with the sculpture.

“The gentlemen at the forge have been absolutely fantastic, they have taken so much into consideration, even down to putting his name on the seats.”

Councillor Colin Hyams, HDC’s executive councillor for operational and countryside services, said: “This is a wonderful piece of work between the council and the community to create an unusual feature for the park, which many people will draw enjoyment from, while being a fitting tribute to a local teenager.”