THE devastated family of 19-year-old Will Johnston have paid heartfelt tributes to the “generous, adventurous and talented” young man, who “lit up” their lives.

Will died following a head-on collision on the A31, near Stag Gate, last Wednesday. He had been on his way to work at Maidenhead Aquatics at the Wyevale Centre at Stapehill, with his sister Steph, a 23-year-old veterinary medicine student who was doing work experience there at the time.

Donald Llewellyn Williams, 72, from Bournemouth also died following the collision.

Steph suffered chipped bones and a fractured spine, and will need surgery to repair shattered bones around her eye – but doctors have told her she should make a full recovery.

Yesterday she, dad Bill, 51, and mum Linda, 49, gathered to remember Will, a former Poole Grammar student with a passion for cars.

The teenager was a rising star in the racing world. Earlier this year he became the youngster-ever winner of a 750 Formula race – beating the lap record at Brands Hatch in the process.

He had planned to study automotive engineering at Brighton University – but Linda said he would have “loved to become a professional” and had looked into sponsorship deals.

“People were saying there’s a star of the future here,” she added. “They saw his potential – but he was so modest about it.”

Will started racing at an early age, even competing in go kart races against Lewis Hamilton at times. The sport gave him a “second family” of friends around the country, other racing interests even took him to America.

Will started stripping down engines at the age of eight and his natural mechanical skills meant he had a constant string of friends’ cars to repair – he even stopped by the roadside to help strangers.

“He was very generous – very considerate of everybody,” added Linda. “He would never pass somebody by who was in trouble.”

The family told of his gift for making friends, and his easy way with people. They thanked his many friends for their kind messages of support.

Bill added: “He was always always there for you when you needed him, and he was so busy – he was always thinking of the next idea.

“When he came into the house the house lit up.”

Steph said of her brother: “He never let anything get him down – he was always really happy. He definitely made the most of every day.”

“We are so proud of him,” added Linda.

The funeral service will be held at Lady St Mary Church at Wareham on Friday June 26.