The family of Ashley Connell, who died in a car accident in Mellor, have released a statement paying tribute.

Ashley, 23, of Knowsley Road, Wilpshire, a front seat passenger, received fatal injuries after he was thrown from the vehicle.Ashley was born with a condition called congenital hydrenal hyperplasia and was not expected to live for more than 12 weeks.

Uncle to Anna and Ellie, he worked for the family company Groundworks although he was due to start his dream job in fashion in Manchester yesterday.

The statement from mum Christine, dad Mick, brother Lawson and sister Hayley said: "Ashley was a lively, outgoing lad who lived life to the full.

"He loved his family and friends and was loved by everyone.

"He adored his girlfriend, Rachel, who is devastated - she has not only lost her boyfriend but her best friend.

"He lived for his weekends where he would put his skinny jeans on and go to Leeds with his friends to party.

"Then on Sundays, he used to just sit in front of the TV in his blue dressing gown watching football.

"He loved his holidays to Ibiza and last year he went to Germany to the World Cup to follow England with his mates.

"We would like to thank him for the 23 years we knew him and all the times he had us in stitches laughing with his taking off other people, especially our dad.

"Ashley will be remembered for what he was and what he is in spirit now, a fun loving lad with more personality than anyone you ever met.

"We want this to reflect in his funeral and wish for his friends not to wear black but to dress as they would if they were going out on a Saturday night."