An 18-year-old driver died in a car crash just days after passing his test, his heartbroken family have said.
Aiden Blackman has been named locally as the young man who tragically lost his life after the incident on Warrington Road, Leigh, on Friday night.
The white Kia Sportage he was driving collided with a black Peugeot 107 at the junction with Greenfold Way at around 10.50pm.
It is believed the car rolled over several times, throwing Aiden from the vehicle.
His passenger, a young woman, was pulled free of the wreckage by a resident from a nearby home and suffered minor injuries.
At the scene of the tragedy there is a growing shrine of flowers, cards and a teddy bear.
Candles spell out the message 'Big Aiden UK, RIP'.
Among those paying respects was Aiden's uncle Wayne Mason and auntie Diane Shaw.
"He'd only got his licence three or four days ago," said Wayne.
"He'd been saying to me he wanted to go to Blackpool but I said 'no, you're not going on the motorway yet'.
"He's just been to the garage for cigarettes I think and was on his way home.
"It's only about a mile from here."
Aiden was the oldest of five siblings and his death has left his mum Donna and dad Carl "crushed", said Wayne and Diane.
"His mum is in pieces," said Diane.
Describing her nephew, Diane added: "When he walked into a room he would brighten it up.
"He was just daft, he would do anything for anyone.
"He was always laughing and giggling and smiling."
This dying man has been told by the DWP he's fit for work - and they've HALVED his benefits
Aiden will also be "deeply missed" by his cousins Jordan, Bradley and Jasmine.
Jasmin posted a picture of the two together on Facebook, adding: "Honestly can’t believe it Aiden, you were one in a million, I love you so much, you will be in my heart forever.
"Our family will never be the same without you, you were such a character and always had a story to tell us.
"Our hearts have been ripped apart and chucked on the floor in a million pieces.
"Life is so cruel but they only take the best. I will miss you so so so much, Save me a seat lad. xxxxx"
Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash and appealed for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
Neighbours told of hearing a number of "loud bangs" and coming outside to find a horrific scene.
"It was horrible, awful," said one young woman.
Another neighbour said when he came outside it was clear Aiden could not be saved.
But his young passenger was shouting "help me" and he was able to pull her free before emergency services arrived.
He recalled seeing someone else believed to be the Peugeot driver at the side of the road "with their head in their hands."
Police Constable Paul Joynson, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “First and foremost I want to offer my condolences to the family of the man who sadly died last night following the collision on Warrington Road in Leigh.
“His loved ones are understandably distraught at what has happened and we are providing them with specialist support at this incredibly difficult time."
“We are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have information that can assist us, particularly if they have dash cam footage which shows the events leading up to or the immediate aftermath of the collision.”
A GMP spokesman added: "Shortly after 10.50pm last night (Friday 3 May 2019), police were called to Warrington Road to reports of a collision.
"Officers attended and a man – who is believed to be 18-years-old – was pronounced dead at the scene.
"Further enquiries have established that the man was driving a Kia Sportage on Warrington Road when it was involved in a collision with a Peugeot 107 at the junction with Greenfold Way."
Anybody with information is asked to contact GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
This dying man has been told by the DWP he's fit for work - and they've HALVED his benefits
