TRIBUTES have been paid to a teenage father killed when the 4x4 he was travelling collided with a bus at the weekend.

James Reddington was a passenger in the Isuzu Trooper which collided with an Arriva bus, at the junction of St Cuthbert’s Way and Parkgate, in Darlington, on Saturday (December 21).

Flowers have been left at the scene, in memory of the 19-year-old, of Kirkby Close, Darlington.

Mr Reddington had a young son and was due to become a father again, with his girlfriend expecting another baby.

Tributes have been left on his Facebook page and a group set up in Mr Reddington’s memory has more than 200 members.

One user wrote: “What a lad, gonna miss you mate. Can’t get my head round it.”

Another added: “Sleep tight angel.”

A third wrote: “RIP Jimbob, ya gonna be missed my matey.”

Another friend added: “RIP Jim, I will never forget you mate, love you to bits. The best mate anyone could ever have.”

A fifth message read: “RIP Jimbob lad, known you since you were little, heart goes out too to all your family, especially your kids. God bless them, sleep tight mate.

Mr Reddington had used his Facebook page to appeal for justice for three-year-old Danny Wake, the Darlington youngster killed in an apparent hit-and-run in November.

Meanwhile, the driver of the bus has thanked the mysterious good Samaritan who returned his phone and wallet in the aftermath of the collision.

The driver, who has asked not to be named, said he wanted to pass on his thanks for the good deed.

He lost his wallet, which contained about £100, and phone as a result of the impact of the crash, but has now been reunited with his possessions.

He said: “He was quite a young lad, but I have no idea who he was – everything is a bit blurred,” said the driver.

“I would like to find out who he was and buy him a drink if he leaves his details at the Darlington depot.”

A 23-year-old man injured in the crash is recovering from a broken leg and facial injuries.

  • Darrel French, 25, appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on Monday (December 23), charged with causing death by dangerous driving and remanded in custody until January 6.