THE funeral takes place next Wednesday, January 7, of a Winsford teenager who died in a crash just before Christmas.

Jack Hughes was the driver of a blue Volkswagon Polo when it was in collision with a Scania articulated goods vehicle on December 15, just days after his 18th birthday.

The crash happened on the A533 Davenham bypass between the Road One roundabout, in Winsford, and the junction of the A533 with Jack Lane, in Moulton.

A statement issued by his family said: "We would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and gestures after the loss of our beloved son and brother Jack.

"Jack's funeral will take place at Vale Royal Crematorium on Wednesday, January 7, at 1pm.

"We ask for no flowers but donations to the Air Ambulance."

His heartbroken mum Louise had earlier told the Guardian that Jack would want his friends and family to be happy and smiling, to celebrate Christmas for him and go on to be happy.

Following his death the Guardian's Facebook page was flooded with tributes for the teenager and more than 100 friends and family gathered at Mersey View, in Frodsham, to let off lanterns in his memory.

Friends also gathered in Moulton to share their memories of Jack.

The crash happened at 2.45pm on December 15 and Jack was taken to North Staffordshire University Hospital by air ambulance in a critical condition.

He later died in hospital from his injuries.

Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 514 of 15/12/2014.

Information can be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.