HUNDREDS of tributes have been paid to a teenager known as a 'gentle giant' who died following a horrific motorbike crash.

Dean Terry Winterbottom, 16, died on Wednesday when a silver Yamaha FZ6 Fazer motorbike crashed after mounting a kerb.

Police officers say the motorbike was travelling along the A635 Lane Head Road in Cawthorne, from Denby Dale towards Barugh Green at around 10.55am when, on passing Silkstone Lane, it collided with a kerb.

The bike mounted the pavement before stopping near to the junction with Church Street. Dean, from Colley Crescent, Kendray, who was a passenger on the bike, died as a result. A 30-year-old man, thought to be his cousin, who was driving the bike remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Dean had just finished his studies at Barnsley Academy and had secured a position as an apprentice plumber.

His dad Michael Young said when the accident occurred Dean was getting a lift home after sitting maths and English exams near Wakefield as part of his apprenticeship. "No one could ever wish for a nicer lad than Dean," he said. "He was the type who would do anything for anyone." 

Steve Dixon, principal of Barnsley Academy which Dean left just weeks ago said Dean was a popular, friendly and well respected student. He would have been due to pick his GCSE results up later this month.

"He was a very witty young man with a great sense of humour and comedic timing to match," said Mr Dixon. "Dean was an incredibly humble student who always played down his significant personal and academic achievements.

"He will be sadly missed by the whole Barnsley Academy community and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this tragic time."

Police officers want to hear from anyone who may have seen what happened or saw the bike prior to the collision. If you can help, please call 101 quoting incident number 337 of August 2.