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FAMILY and friends have spoken of their love and admiration for former Marling School pupil Rory Watson who died in a car accident.

Rory, 19, who was heading for a first class degree at the University of Nottingham, died at the scene after his red Fiat Punto left Castle Lane, Epney around 7.30am on Saturday.

The popular and bright teenage, who was home from university for the Easter holidays, had been heading to a nearby farm, where he was working over the holidays.

His father Chris, 52, from Framilode, said the family was shaken by the fatal crash.

"One minute somebody sets off for work in the morning then you are told they are never coming back," he said, adding that his mother Gill, 52, and siblings Lydia, 18, Fergus, 16, and Hamish, 13, are all still coming to terms with the accident.

He said his son, who was very close to his brothers and sisters, was becoming a very well-rounded individual.

"Rory was a no-trouble lad who gave us no grief whatsoever," he said.

"He was developing good social skills and a network of friends.

"He was very much a popular lad."

Rory enjoyed clay pigeon shooting, for which his skills earned him a place on the university team. He also enjoyed fishing.

"He was a very good fly fisherman when he put his mind to it," said Mr Watson, who also praised his son's determinatIon to succeed in his education.

"He was in his second year of a degree in applied biology at Nottingham University," he said.

"He was doing very well there and was up for a first.

"I was expecting him to tell me that he wanted to stay on and do a masters."

Rory was part of a close-knit groups of friends.

James Mason, 20, who went to nursery and secondary school with Rory, said: "He was so clever and he was a really good, trustworthy friend who was always there for us.

"He's really going to be missed by all of us."

The group met up several times over the Easter weekend, including going for a picnic at Coaley Peak on Monday to share their fond memories of Rory.

Tom Stewart, 19, who grew up with Rory, said: "He was a pillar of our group of friends.

"We've all come together since it happened and it shows how much he was loved and will be missed.

"He was doing really well and making a life himself at university.

"I admire him a lot."

Rory was well-known by staff and regulars at the Anchor Inn at Epney, where he had worked for around two years before going to university.

Manager Robert Findlater praised his former employee.

"He was a dependable and very hard-working lad," he said, adding that he fondly remembers seeing Rory driving through the village to a nearby farm on a vintage tractor he had bought and restored.

"He was really friendly, lively and very popular.

"We're all completely shocked by this. You can't really put it into words."

Floral tributes, notes and memories from those close to Rory were left at the scene of the accident in Castle Lane over the weekend.

A police spokesman said no other car was involved in the incident but added information would be welcomed from witnesses to the crash who can call 0845 090 1234 quoting incident 126 of March 22.

12:56pm Wednesday 26th March 2008

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