A MOTHER who lost her 'loyal' son in a car crash says highways officials must act to improve a narrow road junction, or bear the guilt for any future deaths.

Richard Curtis Stokes, 24, died last Friday in an accident at the junction of Eaton Road and Lodge Lane near his Tilstone Fearnall home.

He was travelling to meet friends when his silver Rover 214 collided with a white Renault Master van.

His mother Sian Mallon says he usually avoided the narrow crossroad because he knew visibility was poor.

She said: From what the police told me, Richard must have been edging out slowly, because you just can't see what is coming.

'Even walking across it, you would have to be careful.

'It wants sorting. If anybody else dies there, let it be on the council and highways' conscience.'

Sian has received hundreds of messages of condolence from merchant seaman Richard's friends across the world.

She described him as a loyal, loving son, and a fantastic brother and uncle to sister Zoe and her four-year-old son Ryan.

Sian said: 'Every Saturday morning he would be cleaning his car with Ryan right there with him. They would be soaking each other with the water and Richard would be explaining to Ryan what things are on the car.

'He had a dry sense of humour, he was totally loving, very loyal and generous to a fault.

'He was a bit of a practical joker with me because he knows that it winds me up when things get moved around the house.

'He'd take the candles off the stands and I would go into a room and see them and smile, knowing he is in the background giggling and laughing at me.'

Richard grew up in Guilden Sutton and Tarporley with his mother and younger sister Zoe, who now lives in Blacon. His father Phil is separated from his mother and lives in the Chester area.

After doing his GCSEs at Upton-by-Chester High School, he studied at Reese-heath College, then joined the RAF to train as a pilot, where he gained his gliding licence and learned to parachute.

A year later he joined the Merchant Navy, and toured the world while training as a navigation officer, seeing Egypt, Africa and America, where he fell in love with the lively atmosphere of New Orleans.

Sian and Zoe have asked for donations to UNICEF in Richard's name.

'When he was in Africa he saw poor children out there and having Ryan and loving him so much he could see what these other children never had,' said Sian.

A Cheshire County Council spokesman said: 'We offer the family our deepest condolences and cannot comment further because an inquest is to take place.'

Richard Stokes's funeral and interment will take place on Monday at St John's Church in Guilden Sutton. Family flowers only, donations to UNICEF appreciated. For more information, call Dutton and Hallmark funeral directors on 01244 310966.

* Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision at 5.45pm last Friday. Anyone who saw the collision or either car prior to the collision is asked to contact PC Robbie Burns on 01244 613163 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line 0800 555111.