TRIBUTES have been paid to a student described as having a ‘natural gift for spreading joy and happiness’ who died in a motorbike crash on Saturday.

Sam Carson, 18, studied at Sir John Deane’s College and died after falling from his red Honda 125cc motorbike in Alpraham.

The incident happened on the A51, close to the Travellers Rest Public House, at 4.22pm on Saturday, July 6.

Mr Carson, from Alpraham, had been heading in the direction of Nantwich.

He sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to North Staffordshire Hospital, where he sadly died in the early hours of Sunday morning.

No other vehicle is believed to have been involved.

Students and staff at Sir John Deane’s College (SJD) have paid tribute to the Upper Sixth student, with the tragedy devastating the college community where Mr Carson had just completed his A-level studies in maths, further maths and physics.

Kerry Kirkwood, principal of SJD, said: “We are shocked and saddened by this tragic news.

“Sam was a bright young man with a big personality that touched so many people.

“As you can imagine he had a very wide group of close friends and all are very distressed today.

“We have also been in close touch with his family and all our thoughts and prayers are with his parents, two sisters and brother at this tragic time.”

A special memorial has been set up in college where students and staff have been leaving tributes.

Students and staff are also being offered counselling.

The former Tarporley High School student was an incredibly popular student who was always conscientious and enthusiastic with his studies.

This week his friends described him as ‘kind’ and ‘caring’ – with a natural gift for spreading joy and happiness and someone who will never be forgotten.

He was extremely sociable and was accomplished at fencing, representing Chester Fencing Club in various competitions and once in the British Youth Championships.

As well as fencing, Mr Carson also enjoyed archery, mountain bike riding with friends, reading and chess.

Anyone with any information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 767 of July 6.

Leave your tributes to Sam below.