Tributes have been paid to two best friends tragically killed in a collision on the A41 near Tattenhall last week.

Darryl Smith, 29, and his friend Sean Broomhall, 24, both of the Wistaston Green area, near Crewe , were travelling in a silver Audi A3 when the accident happened outside Dragon Hall Business Park.

Josh Clayton, 19, who was travelling in the same vehicle, remains in a critical condition in hospital following the collision which happened about 1.15pm on Wednesday, February 7.

A 39-year-old woman, who was driving a blue Peugeot Partner van, was airlifted to hospital but has since been released from hospital.

The scene of a double datal collision outside the Dragon Hall Business Park on the A41 Whitchurch Road.

Darryl’s mother Julie said Darryl and Sean ‘were like brothers’ and both leave behind young sons.

She said: “We find this very hard to share the devastating news that our dear son Darryl Smith has been taken from us in a tragic accident. Words cannot express how we are all feeling but we thank you for all your loving posts and the support from all of our family and friends and not forgetting our extended family friends of Darryl and Sean.

“Darryl and Sean were like brothers and we supported and loved Sean like our own, they were lovable rogues together.

The scene of a double datal collision outside the Dragon Hall Business Park on the A41 Whitchurch Road.

“Darryl was a character and we are sure that if you had known him, you would have loved him instantly as everyone did whose hearts he touched. Our hearts are broken.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Josh and his family at this tough time and we hope he continues to fight and make a recovery. He has the best sense of humour and we hope to experience that again. Josh holds a special place in our hearts.”

Sean’s mother Sharon said her family was 'heartbroken'.

She said: “My loving son Sean has been taken from his family far too soon. He left behind a gorgeous son and a family who loved him dearly. We are all heartbroken but his memory will live on and he will be in our hearts forever.”