A SCHOOL has paid tribute to a ‘loyal’ and ‘caring’ teenager who died following a crash on the A595.

Ted Southward, 14, from Waberthwaite, died at the scene of a collision at Prospect Hill, Waberthwaite on April 8.

Ted was the rider of a mountain bike which was involved in a collision with a silver Kia Sorento.

Family and friends paid tribute to Ted’s life, describing the teenager as 'one in a million'.

READ MORE: Family and friends pay tribute to Waberthwaite teenager

Ted’s school, Millom School, said the community has been left ‘deeply shocked and saddened’.

A spokesman said: “Millom School is an exceptionally close community; we are mourning the loss of one of our own - Ted Southward.

“This is a tragedy that has left us deeply shocked and saddened and our thoughts and sympathies are with Ted’s family and friends.

“Ted was a true Cumbrian lad. Devoted to his supportive family, close knit friendship group and banger racing.

“Ted was relied on for his fantastic sense of humour and delighted in making those around him laugh. His strong sense of loyalty to his friends and deeply caring nature were a testament to the young man he was growing in to.

“Ted could be spotted immediately, in any classroom, as he flicked his shiny blonde hair to see who was approaching.

“His face invariably had a smile on it and he had developed an easy going nature around his friends which made him a popular and treasured mate.

“Ted had a zest for life and his independence from a young age and love of engineering, mechanics and science, were a career path waiting to happen. His exceptional work experience at M Sport had already shaped what was destined to be a successful future in the motor industry

“Put simply, Ted was a good honest lad. We will miss his energy, smile and presence enormously.”

An inquest is due to be opened today at The Coroner’s Court in Cockermouth.

READ MORE: Inquest to be opened after Waberthwaite teen Ted Southward died on A595

The inquest will be opened by coroner Dr Nicholas Shaw and is set to be adjourned until September 1 for the full inquest.

Officers are continuing their appeal for information into the incident. Anyone with information can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it, quoting incident number 172 of April 8 2022.

You can also phone 101 or email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit via SCIU@cumbria.police.uk.