The family of a Shropshire motorcyclist who died after a road crash have today paid tribute to the outgoing and popular teenager.

Dean Tipping, 18, from Hilton, Bridgnorth, died in hospital yesterday morning. He had been on course for a promising career with the RAF, his family said.

He had completed his pre-training and was helping out at a local shop while he waited to hear whether he had been accepted into the RAF.

The notification of his acceptance arrived in the post yesterday.

Dean’s uncle, Jonathan Tipping, said Dean was a popular young man and said he decided almost four years ago that he wanted a career in the services.

Mr Tipping said: “He was always out and about doing things with the lads. He always enjoyed the outdoor life.

“Bikes were his life,” he added. “He was a very outgoing lad with lots of friends. He will be missed by everybody who knew him.”

He said Dean belonged to a close circle of friends, many of whom visited the teenager in hospital the night before he died.

Mr Tipping said: “We also wanted to say a big thank you to all his friends who turned up at hospital to see him.”

A group of about 20 youngsters gathered at the scene of crash yesterday to lay flowers and pay tribute to the former Oldbury Wells School pupil.

Glyn Mark, senior assistant headteacher at Oldbury Wells School, said: “Dean left Oldbury Wells School two summers ago. He is remembered as a spirited and enthusiastic student. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Squadron Leader Neil Hope, for RAF Shawbury, today added: “RAF Shawbury is saddened to hear the tragic news of the accident involving Dean and would like to pass on their commiserations to his family.

Dean was initially taken to the Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, following the accident late on Monday evening. He had been riding his GPR 50 moped in Bridgnorth at the A442 Cann Hall Road junction with the B4363 St John Street when it was involved in a collision with a Peugeot 106 hatchback travelling in the opposite direction. The car driver was not injured.

Dean leaves his parents, Karl and Pat, brother Owen and sisters, Abbie and Katie.

By Sophie Bignall