TRIBUTES have been paid to two young men who died in a crash at Elsworth on Saturday.

TOUCHING tributes have been paid to two young men who died in a crash at Elsworth on Saturday.

Harry Williams, 17, and Darryl Townsend, 20, both of Stirling Road in St Ives, died when the car in which they were driving struck a tree in Rogues Lane at around 5pm.

The two men suffered fatal injuries in the crash, and two other passengers also suffered injuries.

Howard Gilbert, headteacher at St Ivo School, where the two had been students, said that they had both been very popular.

“Both Harry and Darryl were extremely well-liked students within the school.

“Harry was a very sporty, very popular student. He was always getting involved in volunteering – in fact, today he was due to be playing Santa Claus in a fundraising event. That was typical of him.

“One of the things that is striking is how much the students are grieving for Darryl, even though he had left the school. He was also a very popular and very likeable young man.

“The mood at the school is very subdued today.”

Facebook pages set up for Harry and Darryl have already gathered more than 1,000 members each, with friends and family paying their tributes.

Samantha Owens posted: “RIP Darryl. Guess it’s true what they say, they always take the good ones first. You were always a kind hearted lad. You will be missed by everyone. My thoughts go out to your family.”

Darryl’s aunt Hayley Johnson also posted her tribute. She said: “A smile can hide the tears... A laugh can hide the pain... But nothing stops the longing to have you back again... RIP Darryl My Darling Nephew.”

In memory of Harry, friend George Glover wrote: “Such a funny lad, loved by everyone. Think the memories of you are gonna make people cry with laughter more than grief. True hero.”

Another friend, Andy Asby, said: “To have touched so many people’s lives in such a short space of time just shows what a class act you were...”

To pay your tribute to Harry and Darryl, simply register below and post your comment.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision, which happened on Rogues Lane, about half a mile east of its junction with the B1040. They have launched an investigation and would like to hear from anyone who saw the crash or the vehicle, which had been travelling west towards the B1040, just prior.

INFORMATION: Anyone with information should contact the roads policing unit on 0345 456 4564.