THE parents of a 23-year-old man who lost his life in a three car collision have paid tribute to his "kindness, generosity and sense of fun".

Kieran Arkless died at the scene near Newton Cap viaduct, Bishop Auckland, during the early hours of Sunday .

This evening a statement released on behalf of his parents Gillian and Shaun described him as a deeply loved son, grandson, brother and friend.

“Kieran was very family-orientated and moved into his first home, a rented place in Bishop Auckland in February this year," they said.

“He was so proud of the place, having chosen all the furniture and he kept it immaculate, but he was always popping back to visit us on his days off.

“We all saw how grown-up he was becoming in the last year, he had his dream job as a process operator at Glaxo and was hopeful of a permanent contract.

“He was also saving up with the aim of buying his dream car and getting together a deposit for his own home at some point in the future.”

His parents said their son, originally from Willington, near Crook, worked hard and had formed a close bond with work friends at the Barnard Castle factory.

“He loved socialising with them as well as his family and other friends,” they added.

“He was a fanatical Sunderland supporter, red and white through and through. He was thrilled to do the trip to Wembley in March to see his team play in the Carling Cup final.

“Kieran loved a wide range of music, was keen on fishing and always tried to get the highest score and beat his mates on FIFA Playstation.”

Mr Arkless was driving his Ford Focus on the A689 Toronto bypass when the accident happened near the viaduct shortly before 12.30am.

As his car rounded a nearside bend, it collided head-on with a Skoda Octavia taxi travelling in the opposite direction. An Audi A4 travelling towards Bishop Auckland then ploughed into the wreckage.

The taxi driver, a 47-year-old man from Willington, was taken to the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, with serious internal injuries. He is described as ‘critical but stable.’

Mr and Mrs Arkless added: “We have been inundated with so many visitors, texts, phone calls and cards from so many people, young and old alike. All say how much he was loved and how greatly he will be missed.

“Everyone has a story to tell about Kieran and although everyone has shed a tear he is remembered with a smile and for his kindness, generosity and his sense of fun.”