The family of a 19-year-old Stainton man, who died following a crash, have paid tribute to his life.

Jack Taylor died following a single-vehicle crash on the Newbiggin road which occurred shortly before 2am on Monday, May 31. Jack was the driver and sole occupant of a black VW Polo involved in the collision.

Jack, a former pupil at Stainton School and Ullswater Community College, was studying professional policing at the University of Cumbria and had recently volunteered at Cumbria Police during the Covid-19 pandemic - where he collected and delivered PPE equipment for frontline officers.

The son of Alan and Joanne Taylor, and brother of Josh, Jack was a talented amateur footballer who was incredibly close with his family and friends.

Alan said: “Jack and Josh are our world and Jack knew exactly what to say to his Mum, better than anybody, to wrap her round his little finger; he idolised her and she adored him, we all did, life just won’t be the same.”

Joanne said: “Jack loved his hair, clothes and trainers, but above all else he loved his family, especially his younger brother Josh. No two brothers could have had a stronger bond or been more supportive of one another than our boys, they were complete opposites in many ways but the great love they shared for one another and respect they had for each other was incredible.

"He loved any family event or parties and being with his friends. He had a tight-knit group of friends at school and a much wider group of all ages. He just loved for everyone to have fun and be happy — he didn't have a bad bone in his entire body. He had the most amazing sense of humour, adventure, was so full of fun and would help anybody at all and would see a problem and would quietly try to help fix it without wanting a fuss. His smile was infectious and adhered him to all.

“He just loved people to be happy and have fun; he seized every day and packed so very much into it.”

Officers investigating the collision are appealing for witnesses to contact them with any information they may have in relation to the collision.

Anyone with information can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit, quoting incident number 29 of 31 May, or call 101 and ask for PC 2743 Bruce or PC 1947 Ross.