A grief-stricken father has described as "pure gold" his 21-year-old son who was killed in a car crash.

Dale Baxter died at the wheel of a Ford Fiesta, which went out-of-control on the A62 Gelderd Road, Gildersome, last Monday.

His 26-year-old male passenger was released from hospital after being treated for minor injuries and shock.

Mr Baxter's father Allen, 50, said the family had been overwhelmed by the amount of flowers and cards they had received.

"Nobody had a wrong word to say about him - he was pure gold. He had a great sense of humour and was a lovely lad. At 21, he has been taken from us so tragically.

"He and his sister Clare were very close and she is absolutely devastated.

"She has requested that all donations go towards buying a football strip for the Gomersal Boys under-sevens team."

Mr Baxter, of Gomersal, Cleckheaton, had worked as a coach builder at Arriva Bus and Coach Ltd, Birkenshaw, for five years. He began there on work experience in 1997 and returned after his GCSEs to begin a body shop apprenticeship which he had just completed. Robert McLeod, managing director of Arriva Bus and Coach Ltd, said the mood had been sombre since his death.

"This is a huge loss for us and he will be sorely missed. He was respected by all his work colleagues who are deeply shocked and upset.

"His manner was pleasant and cheerful and he was a bright young lad who had developed into just the sort of person you would want in your business. It's been quiet here the last few days."

Mr Baxter was an avid Leeds United supporter and will be buried in the club's football kit. He also played football for Heckmondwike Grammar School Old Boys. He leaves parents Allen and Lynne, sister Clare, 23, and nephew Joseph, two.

Hundreds of mourners are expected to attend his funeral at St Mary's Church in Spen Lane, Gomersal, at 11.15am on Wednesday followed by cremation at Dewsbury.