Alley Cronin, 17, said she would never forget Darren Green, the love of her life who was snatched away from her.

BOOK OF CONDOLENCE: Click the link to read or add your tribute to Darren

Darren's distraught parents, Amanda and Mark, led the family tributes to the talented student, describing him as a "wonderful son".

Teachers and school pals at Hartlepool Sixth Form College left floral tributes at the scene of the crash outside the Mayfair Centre, Seaton Carew.

Messages of condolence have also been left on our website to the popular teenager, who was due to take his A levels.

Darren was killed when his Peugeot car was in a collision with a Vauxhall van on Tuesday night.

Emergency services said the teenager was alone in the car at the time.
Despite desperate attempts by fire crews and paramedics to revive the injured youngster, he was declared dead at the scene.

The tragedy has left his family devastated and a college in mourning.
Today, girlfriend Alley spoke of her love for Darren and how he will always live in her memory.

Alley, who had been dating Darren for two years, told the Mail: "He was a lovely boy. He always had everybody's best interests at heart.

"I loved him and I will always be thinking about him.

"We were totally in love. He was a big part of my life and he will be hugely missed."

Darren lived with his parents in Ventnor Avenue, Hartlepool.

Alley, from the Clavering area of town, who also attends Hartlepool Sixth Form College added: "I will remember the way he always used to make me laugh.

He was really funny, I will hold that close to me." The driver of the van, a 40-year-old man from County Durham, was treated for shock at the scene before being taken to the University Hospital of North Tees from where he was later released.

A police investigation is now underway and anyone with information can contact PC Andrew Anderson of the Road Policing Unit on 01642 301552.