TRIBUTES from a community have been pouring in for a teenager whose life was cut short after a tragic crash on the A33.

Ben Wilson, 18 and from Overton, died after a collision with a Volkswagen Polo in Micheldever, at around 11.10pm on Saturday.

Paying tribute, the family of the teen, who had finished studying at college this summer, described a ‘kind, caring and funny’ young man with a real ‘zest for life’.

Parents David and Maria Wilson, and brother Euan, have said the incident has been a “terrible shock for us all”.

They said: “Our family are struggling to come to terms with our loss.

“Ben was a kind, caring and funny son, with a zest for life - a much-loved brother, grandson and nephew. He is already dearly missed.

“This has been a terrible shock for us all, and we thank you all for your love, warmth and well wishes.”

After the collision, Mr Wilson was taken to Southampton General Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after he arrived.

The driver of the Polo, an 18-year-old from Basingstoke, was not injured.

The family run Wilson & Sons Greengrocers in Overton High Street and posted on social media that the store will be closed until further notice, which saw waves of support come in from members of the tight-knit community paying their respects.

Ben attended Testbourne Community School in Whitchurch before moving on to Peter Symonds College in Winchester.

Headteacher of Testbourne Community School Jon Beck described Ben as a “well-liked, kind and friendly student” who “always wore a smile.”

He added: “We are shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of Ben.

“Our thoughts are with Ben’s family at this difficult time.”

College principal Sara Russell said: “We are saddened to hear of the loss of a former member of our student community. He will be sadly missed by those who knew him.”

“We send our condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time, and support is available for our students and staff as they come to terms with the news.”

The incident is still under investigation by the police and officers continue to appeal for information.

Earlier in the week, Sergeant Jonathan Bates said: “We know that there were a number of young people in the area at the time of the collision who were being dropped off for some sort of gathering in Micheldever Woods.

“We’ve spoken to a number of these people at the scene but would urge anyone who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken to an officer, to get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting Operation Cola.

An inquest into Ben’s death is likely to open shortly.