The parents of Eastern Bypass crash victim Howard Hillsdon have spoken of their pride after discovering their son successfully passed his degree course just before he died.

The 21-year-old Oxford Brookes University student, from Yarnton, died in the accident on May 28, which also killed three 13-year-old boys.

On Monday, Graham and Julie Hillsdon learned their son had gained a class 2:2 degree in automotive engineering.

The result meant Mr Hillsdon could have taken up a place on a postgraduate course to train as a secondary school maths teacher.

The family plans to collect the posthumous degree at a graduation ceremony in September.

Mrs Hillsdon said: "His father was an engineer, who enjoys tinkering with mechanics, and as Howard was so close to his father, they tinkered together.

"It was just a natural progression for Howard to develop his interest further as an automotive engineer. Howard had a natural aptitude for maths.

"He enjoyed the course, but particularly the social life and ski-ing opportunities, at which he excelled.

"We're so proud of his achievements, as not only was he a diligent student, he actively contributed to the sport and social life of the university."

His parents rang the university to discover Howard's grade after learning by post he had successfully completed the course. He had applied to study for a one-year postgraduate Certificate in Education at Brookes from September.

He died when a Citroen Xsara carrying eight people crossed the central reservation and collided with his Honda Civic.

A spokesman for Oxford Brookes University said last night: "Howard has been awarded a 2:2 honours degree in automotive engineering which he achieved almost effortlessly.

"He was greatly valued as a student and the university was looking forward to welcoming him back next term to train as a teacher."

Mr Hillsdon's funeral will be held at St Bartholomew's Church, in Yarnton, at 11am tomorrow, followed by a private burial.