Tributes paid to Will Hallett and Barry Hearnshaw after level crossing tragedy

The family of a teenage boy who died along with his grandfather when the pensioner's car was hit by a train at a level crossing say he was "handsome and intelligent".

Will Hallett, 15, and Barry Hearnshaw, 72, were killed at a level crossing at Barns Green in Horsham, West Sussex, just before 9am on Saturday.

A statement from Will's family said: "He was an intelligent, high grade achiever who aspired to be an airline pilot.

"He was a talented footballer and idealised Chelsea FC. He was often found kicking a ball about on our village green and played locally for Horsham Sparrows."

His family admitted they were "struggling to come to terms" with the loss.

They said his death "has left an immense hole in our world, which can never be filled. We are utterly devastated by this tragic accident that has robbed us of our gorgeous, lovable and cheeky son".

A friend said Will's younger brother, Henry, had been due to go with the pair to watch his sibling play football, but decided not to go.

The statement described Mr Hearnshaw as a "devoted" husband, father and grandfather, who dedicated himself to charity work after retiring as a headmaster.

He was a man who "loved his family dearly and also gave so much to so many people. He devoted his life to improving the lives of so many through his work and before his retirement he fulfilled his dream of becoming headmaster," it said.

"He carried on working in education after his retirement, helping a number of schools to improve," it added.

Detectives investigating the collision have confirmed a 72-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy died after a train struck their car and that their family is being supported by family liaison officers.

Detective Inspector Brett Walker from British Transport Police said: "This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time."