The family of a teenager killed in flooding in Witney yesterday have spoken of their devastation that he would never be able to show his full potential.

Max Sullivan-Webb, 17, who was also known as Max Weeden, died last night after getting caught in flooding at Eastfield Road. His friend survived.

His family said: "Max was just like any other teenager: he loved music, computer games and riding his BMX with his mates. But in other ways he was a real individual and didn't follow the crowd.

"He loved art and wanted to work as an animator. He loved Japanese anime' so much he dreamed of going to Japan and was even teaching himself to speak Japanese.

"He was kind, gentle and very laid back; he never took life too seriously and was always laughing and joking. We will have so many fond memories of him.

"In the last year or so he had really grown up and was showing so much potential.

"We are devastated by his loss, especially as we will not be able to experience the fantastic young man he was destined to have become."

Max was also an Oxford Mail newspaper deliverer for almost two years.

Mail Promotions manager Jo Coady said: "He was such a nice kid.

"He was absolutely brilliant.

"We knew we could always rely upon him. He was always very good with his customers and well liked by them.

"We send our commiserations to his family."