The family of a 17-year-old who died in a horrific crash on a Shropshire road have paid tribute to the popular teenager, who they said was “loved by everybody”.

Matthew Connor Latham-Jones, from Penley, near Wrexham, died in the early hours of Saturday after the car he was a passenger in crashed into a house in Sleap, near Wem.

He was confirmed dead at the scene of the crash on the B5476.

Matthew’s family said today he “oozed happiness”.

His mother, Gaynor Latham-Chadwick, from Chapel Gardens, Penley, said her son “gave effortlessly” and was constantly helping people.

She said Matthew just wanted to make people happy and hated seeing people upset.

Matthew’s stepfather, Mark Latham-Chadwick, said Matthew had the ability to “brighten people’s darkest days.”

The family said Matthew grew up in Morton Corbet and went to St Mary’s CofE Primary School in Shawbury, the Thomas Adams School in Wem and the Maelor School in Penley.

Friends of Matthew are set to get together to pay tribute to him by meeting at the recreation ground in Wem on Friday.

Details of Friday’s event have been posted on the social networking website Facebook. Entitled A drink for Matty, the event will start at 8pm.

More than 760 people have now joined a group on the site in tribute to the student. Entitled RIP Matty Latham Jones, it features pages of messages left by friends and family members.

Matthew had been due to start a three-week forklift licence course in Whitchurch this week. He was re-sitting GCSEs and was working towards a number of City and Guilds qualifications. He had hoped to join the Army.

Richard Ewels, police spokesman, said an inquest was likely to be opened later this week by the coroner for mid and north Shropshire, Mr John Ellery.

Mr Ewels said the driver and another passenger were injured in the crash and were taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the collision.

The blue Nissan Almera was travelling from the Wem direction towards Shrewsbury. No other vehicle was involved.

Anyone who saw the car before the collision is asked to contact Wem police station on 0300 333 3000.

By John Kirk