TRIBUTES have been paid to a teenager from Worcestershire who died when the car he was driving smashed into a tree.

Michael Edwards, aged 19, of Hillsfield, Upton-upon-Severn, was one of three men involved in the crash which happened on the B4211 at Longdon, near Upton, at 10.54pm on Thursday.

Emergency services arrived at the scene to find a silver Peugeot 307 on its roof.

Mr Edwards was taken by ambulance to Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester, where he died from his injuries.

Passenger Damian Chamberlain, also 19 and of Upton, was taken to the same hospital before being transferred to a specialist head injury unit at Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry.

He remains in a serious condition.

The third passenger, named locally as 19-year-old Jon Palmer, of Worcester, was taken to the Worcestershire Royal but has now been released.

All three men are former Hanley Castle High School pupils and had been travelling from Upton towards Tewkesbury when the crash happened.

Friends have paid tribute to Mr Edwards on the social networking website Facebook and more than 800 people have given their support to a page titled R.I.P Mikey Edwards.

People have also sent messages of support to Mr Chamberlain.

Mr Palmer wrote on his own Facebook page: “Can’t believe wats happened, RIP Mikey you gunna be missed mate, n damien hang in there mate.”

Steffi Chamberlain said: “Mikey... Where do I start with you! Your amazing! I’ve had so many memories with you, will never be forgoten! Gunna miss you like crazy, love you x.

“Damian – get better soon pleaaaase I know you can pull through this! Just stay strong for me.

"I love you.”

Em Delboy Downey, said: “Jon boy, you’ve done me proud...brave lad! dame u can do it matey hang in there..n mike, top lad, never guna forget u matey, RIP xx.”

An inquest into Mr Edwards’ death was opened and adjourned yesterday.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash. Anyone with information should call 0300 3333000 quoting 754/S/030211.

• Please leave your tributes to Mr Edwards below.