A teenager who loved life and to play football was killed in a car crash in his home village.

Paul Mix, 16, of Wenrisc Drive, Minster Lovell, was setting out for an evening in Witney as a passenger in his friend's car.

A blue Austin Mini carrying Paul was in collision with a red Vauxhall Combo van at the Minster Lovell Road and Brize Norton Road junction near the White Hart public house.

Both drivers received minor injuries and police are appealing for witnesses.

Paul's parents were alerted by a neighbour who was telephoned by the landlord of the pub, David Riddy. He gave first aid at the scene, but Paul was pronounced dead by an ambulance crew. His parents, Wolfgang and Carol, quickly took the decision to give Paul's organs for transplant.

His mother, who works for Cordwallis Commercials of Eynsham, said "We would like something good to come out of this awful tragedy."

Paul was a keen sportsman and played football for Witney Vikings Boys' Club and the Witney & District FA representative team. His father proudly recalled how in 1993 his son won the Vikings hat-trick - the players', the supporters' player and the manager's player trophies. He added: "He had everything to live for. He was an all-round sportsman and loved cricket, rugby, swimming and fishing.

"He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. We are totally and utterly devastated."

Paul, who has an elder sister Rachel, 19, was a former pupil of Burford School.

Story date: Wednesday 09 February

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