A teenager from near Whitchurch has died in hospital following a car crash in Australia.

Joshua Bowen, 19, a former pupil at The Maelor School in Penley, was injured when the car he was in crashed into trees near Brisbane on Friday.

Australian police said he died in the Royal Brisbane Hospital, Queensland. The car driver, Richard Tennant, who also attended The Maelor School, died at the scene of the crash.

The 19-year-old, from Marchwiel, Wrexham, worked as a trainee chef at the Cross Foxes pub, Erbistock.

Eiddwyn Hall, The Maelor School headteacher, said: “They were both likeable and popular students at the school.

“They left the school at the end of last summer after completing their A-level examinations.

“Josh had a very bright future. He had gained a place to study veterinary science in Edinburgh. He had been looking forward to his trip to Australia before commencing his studies at the end of this year.

“Richard was a student who saw the best in everyone. He involved himself in all aspects of school life and he was intending to train to become a chef. They will both be missed by staff and students alike and our thoughts are with their families.”

Whitchurch Cricket Club chairman Paul Wojda said Joshua, of Bronington, had been a member of the club for about 10 years. “He was a lovely, lovely guy,” he said.

Mr Bowen’s parents, Simon and Celia, are thought to have travelled to Australia.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said today: “A 19-year-old man who was in a critical condition after a single vehicle crash at Wamuran on Friday has died. He passed away today.

“The crash claimed the life of a 19-year-old male driver at the scene. A third man, 26, still remains at the Royal Brisbane Hospital and is in a stable condition.”

By Deborah Collins