TOUCHING tributes have been paid to a popular Lowestoft teenager who died in a crash in west Norfolk.

The family of 19-year-old Taylor High yesterday paid their heartfelt respects to 'a legend' as they admitted to having to cope with the 'hardest time of our lives'. And they praised the support of the local community who have sent 'kind words and thoughts' since his death on Saturday evening.

Taylor suffered fatal injuries in the head-on collision, just before 10.15pm on the A17 at Clenchwarton, near King's Lynn. A man in his early 20s from Lowestoft – named locally as Taylor's friend Jamie Gibbs – was also badly injured in the crash and remains in a 'serious but stable condition' at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.

A Norfolk police spokesman said: 'A blue Renault Clio was travelling towards Sutton Bridge, when, about half a mile west of the Pullover roundabout, it was in collision with a red Peugeot 406 heading in the opposite direction.

'The driver of the Clio, a man in his early 20s from the Lowestoft area, received multiple injuries as a result of the incident. His front seat passenger, also from the Lowestoft area, sadly died as a result of the collision.'

Since the crash, hundreds of messages and tributes have been posted on the social networking site Facebook in dedication to Taylor and urging Jamie to 'fight' and pull through.

Throughout this week, Jamie's family have been keeping a vigil by his bedside.

Taylor worked at Cooper and Denny in Reydon where he qualified as a bricklayer and was popular with colleages.

He was also a talented sportsman, playing for many local football teams, including Waveney Youth, Blundeston Magpies, Ole Frank and Corton FC as well as being a passionate Arsenal fan.

Yesterday, the High family released a statement saying: 'Taylor was the most loving son, brother and friend, and will be greatly missed by everyone who was lucky enough to ever meet him.

'Taylor was a legend! Not just one of, but the best person you could ever meet. He had the personality that would brighten up any room, any party or anyone's life! Without Taylor's presence it really just wasn't as fun.'

They said they were touched by the number of people who had left tributes and messages of support.

'Taylor will be remembered always by all of his friends and family for all the funny things he always did and if he was here to see the amount of people sending their love at such a sad loss he would have been honoured...

'A massive thanks to everyone for your kind words and thoughts! It is impossible to reply to all of you but we just want you to know it's you that help our family through the hardest time of our lives!

'Taylor would be so proud of how everyone has been! Thank you x.'

The High family also said they wished Jamie well for his recovery.

This week, Corton football club paid its own tribute to Taylor. Corton first team manager, Steve Balls, said: 'The whole club are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of Taylor High. He was a talented young footballer with a big future ahead of him within the game.

'He was a joy to be around and was well liked by all players and staff... our thoughts and prayers are with Gary (his father), Curtis (his brother) and the whole of the family.'

Chris Cooper, a manager for Cooper and Denny, said Taylor had been at the company for two and half years and had qualified as a bricklayer in September. He said: 'Taylor was very popular. The staff enjoyed working with him. He was only with us for a short two and half years but he has given us a lifetime of memories.

'His sense of humour and developing talents will be greatly missed.'

l Anyone with information on the collision should contact PC Richard Peck on 0845 456 4567.