FRIENDS of teenage car crash victim Jason Waltho have devoted a web page to him on social networking site Facebook.

The group, called RIP Jase, has been set up by one of the closest friends of the former Tean Rangers captain to allow them to share their memories and, so far, it has attracted 261 members.

Jason, an 18-year-old Manchester United fan, was killed when his Peugeot 206 struck an embankment and rolled on to its roof just two miles from the family home in Milwich on December 30. His brother Martin, aged 19, suffered minor leg injuries.

Seventy-four people have left messages in tribute to Jason, who was in the sixth form at Thomas Alleyne's High School, Uttoxeter.

Tom Hall, who set up the group, wrote: "You will be missed Jase. We had two great years at Tean Rangers and eight years at school. We had some great times."

Clubmate Titch Finney added his memories: "You were one of the nicest people I have ever met. A fantastic captain of Tean Rangers for six whole years and a great person on and off the pitch. You will be sorely missed."

Josh Townsend wrote: "We had maths without you today, man, it was strange. Missing you lots, dude."

Jason lived in Upper Tean for 11 years and went to Hutchinson Memorial First School, Checkley, followed by Windsor Park Middle School, Uttoxeter.

His peers at Thomas Alleyne's are coming up with ideas of how they can commemorate him.

Headteacher at the Dove Bank school, Suzanne O'Farrell said: "The whole community was shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Jason's death. He was a quiet student but well thought of by pupils and staff alike. He was a hard worker and expected to do well in his A-levels. The school has lost a wonderful role model.

"He will be sorely missed."

Jason's parents, Susan Maitland and Michael Waltho, described their son as "bright and popular".

Jason's funeral will be held at St Mary's Church, Uttoxeter, at 2pm this Friday, followed by committal at Stafford Crematorium.

Thomas Alleyne's sixth form choir is expected to sing at the service.