ABOUT 1,000 people congregated in Worcester in memory of two teenagers who died in a car crash.

Hordes of so-called boy racers met in the car park of the city's County Hall to pay tribute to 18-year-olds Ross Hodgkins and Richard Harvey.

Both died shortly after midnight on Friday, September 16, when Richard's Peugeot 106 hit a tree on the A44 at Cotheridge, west of Worcester. Both were car fanatics and Russell Bedford, of Tolladine, Worcester, who organised the cruise on Saturday, said it was a fitting tribute.

He said: "It turned out really well and it was fantastic to see so many people come from Birmingham, Cheltenham and all over.

"The police said they were impressed because they were worried it was just going to be a big bunch of idiots."

Drivers met at specified service stations around Worcester and travelled in convoy into the city. They also raised £143 to be split between the families of the two boys.

"There weren't any idiots there and the police patrolled it really well," said Mr Bedford, aged 21.

"Most people left at about 11pm and a few of the Worcester lot then went on and met in a local car park."

The memorial cruise had originally been planned for the car park at McDonald's on the Blackpole Industrial Estate, but had to be moved at the last minute because of insurance concerns.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned into the death of Ross, who lived in Goldsmith Road, Warndon, and Richard, of Helford Road, Ronkswood.

One of Ross's best friends, Ashley Grantham, said: "His car was his priority. He worked for 18 months and saved his wages to pay for it. I miss him every day."