Grandmother says crash victim was a 'perfect boy'

Lewis Smith was described as a "perfect boy" by his grandmother

The grandmother of a 33-year-old man who died in a crash has paid tribute to her "perfect boy".

Lewis Smith, from Newton Aycliffe, and a 25-year-old woman passenger died in the the crash on the A167 at Ferryhill, County Durham, at about 01:40 GMT on Saturday.

Mr Smith was driving a white Ford Ka from Chilton towards the hamlet of Thinford, east of Spennymoor when the crash happened, police said.

Mr Smith's grandmother said: "He was always my baby, and always will be. I truly feel like a part of me has been ripped away."

In a tribute, Mr Smith's family said he was a "kind, caring, considerate and funny person".

"He saw the best in everyone and was always there for those who knew him," it said.

"He truly was a warm light in everyone's lives and was always there to brighten moods and offer words of wisdom while digging in a cheeky remark when he could."

Durham Police said the car came off the road and ended up on a petrol station forecourt on the opposite side of the carriageway.

The force is appealing for witnesses to get in touch.

His grandmother added: "Thank you for being in my life, I will always love you my perfect boy."