AN estimated 1,000 boy racers are expected to meet on a Worcester industrial estate tomorrow night to pay tribute to two friends who died in a road accident.

Owners of souped-up cars with loud exhausts and neon lights will bring their vehicles from all over the country to the Blackpole Industrial Estate in memory of the pair.

They are meeting at nearby motorway service stations and then travelling in convoy into the city.

Ross Hodgkins, of Goldsmith Road, Warndon, and Richard Harvey, of Helford Close, Ronkswood, both aged 18, died shortly after midnight on Friday, September 16, when Richard's Peugeot 106 hit a tree. They were both passionate about cars.

The event has been organised by Russell Bedford, of Tolladine, Worcester, who runs a website for car enthusiasts and regularly organises meetings.

He said: "The whole community was really shocked by this. We are all friends and so we wanted to do a cruise in their memories.

"We've liased with the police and have been given the go-ahead and we're expecting at least 1,000 people from all over the country."

A South Worcestershire Police spokesman said the gathering was not illegal.

He said: "We shall pay attention to the event to provide reassurance and ensure that it passes off peacefully and quietly and without creating problems for other members of the community."

The family and friends of Richard and Ross are due to attend the event.

Meanwhile, their best friends paid a moving visit to the place where they were killed, on the A44 at Cotheridge, west of Worcester.

Eighteen-year-old Ashley Grantham said: "Ross was always smiling and so easy-going. He was a very loyal friend who would do anything for anybody.

"His friends would phone him for lifts, sometimes even late at night, and he would gladly get out of bed.

"We have practically done everything together since we were boys.

"He was a quiet reserved lad who enjoyed life. His car was his priority, he was so proud of it.

"The last four weeks feel like a lifetime. I miss him every day, just being around.

"He was just the best mate anybody could ever have and nobody can replace him."

Lee Irish, aged 18, added: "I'd only seen Rich a few hours before he died.

"He was the soundest person you could meet and he was such a great friend.

"He was always so lively and fun and loved being the centre of attention.

"Whenever we went out, he was the one who led the way. I miss him so much."

Ross had just started a course in car mechanics at Evesham College.

Richard was in his third year as an apprentice mechanic at the Peugeot garage in St Peter's, Worcester.

An inquest was opened and adjourned into the boys' deaths and will reach a verdict at a later date.