TRIBUTES have been paid to a Pickering man who died following a crash on Saturday night.

Christopher Wray, who was 20 last month, was involved in a collision on the A170 near Kirkbymoorside at about 8.30pm.

His car, a blue Volkswagen Polo, was travelling towards Pickering when it left the road near the junction with Appleton-le-Moors. It travelled down an embankment before coming to rest in a field.

Ambulance and fire crews also attended and the driver was treated by paramedics. Christopher was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

Pete Nelson, who owns Peter Nelson Health and Fitness Studio in Pickering, said Christopher regularly attended the gym.

"He came in two or three times a week with his friend and was a really friendly lad," he said.

"Chris used to train as part of a group and everyone here knew him. It is really sad and I can't begin to imagine what his family are going through."

Other tributes have been paid to Chris, who was a former pupil at Lady Lumley's School in Pickering, on the Gazette & Herald's Facebook page.

One friend said: "An amazing friend who could always put a smile on your face, thanks for so many truly unforgettable memories Chris you’ll be greatly missed, RIP xx."

Another added: "Things like this shouldn’t happen, but they always happen to the best people, people like you. Even to us that weren’t so close to you, you will still be missed. Thoughts go out to your family in such a bad time."

Other comments included: "RIP my brother, love you loads. Everyone's gonna miss you so much, keep smashing gym up there boy".

Chris leaves parents, Brian and Beverley, brother Jonathan and partner Katie. His funeral service will be held at Pickering Parish Church on Wednesday, December 20, at 11.30am, followed by interment in Pickering cemetery. Family flowers only are requested.

Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with any information should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask to speak to Hamish Halloway or Lee Cobb.

You can also email Traffic Sergeant Halloway at hamish.halloway@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or Traffic Constable Cobb on Lee.Cobb@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

Please quote reference number 12170220416.