28 December 2023 , 15:36
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A "wonderful" 15-year-old boy died following a motorbike crash on Boxing Day.
Tributes have poured in to Preston Camps, who was rising the motorbike which collided on a rural road near Port Talbot, south Wales, at around 1.50pm on Tuesday.
Preston's headteacher said the teenager will be "sorely missed. He described the young man as "a wonderful pupil, [and] incredibly polite." The chapel at St. Joseph's Catholic School & Sixth Form Centre in Port Talbot will be open for the rest of the week for friends and family members to pay their respects to Preston.
A statement from South Wales Police reads: "South Wales Police are investigating a fatal road traffic collision which occurred in Cwmavon Road, Port Talbot, at 1:45pm on Tuesday, December 26. The collision involved a motorbike and the rider, 15-year-old Preston Camps, from Port Talbot, has since died as a result of his injuries.
"His family are being supported by specially trained officers. Preston’s school, St Joseph’s Catholic School and Sixth Form Centre, is opening its chapel from 10am-2pm on Thursday and Friday for visitors to light a candle or make an entry into a condolence book. Officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who may have any dashcam or CCTV footage of the incident or prior to the collision. Please contact us and quote reference 2300437605."
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The collision happened on a rural road near Port Talbot in south Wales (Google maps)Wales Online reports police want to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the crash in which Preston died. The teenager was described as an "incredible boy" by bosses at the window installation company with which he completed work experience. Bayview Aluminium wrote on Facebook: "A few words for Preston. With an Incredibly heavy heart, we send all our love and condolences to Preston’s family and friends at this very painful time. We want to let you know a little bit about him in work. Preston is an incredible boy who is flourishing into a superb, unbelievably kind young man. We are lucky to spend two days a week with him. The two days he is with us are filled with smiles and happiness. We all look forward to a Wednesday and Thursday, when he’s in. Preston is a delight to be around and has showed huge maturity for his age this year. He is hardworking and has a hunger to learn. Mr Mosford spoke so highly of Preston before he joined us.
"We thought, is it too good to be true? It wasn’t. He is such brilliant, kind person. A credit to his family. Recently, Preston has shot up, it seems like overnight he’s turned from a boy into a young man, ready to finish year 11. Preston regularly talks football, we love hearing about his games on the weekend whether that’s win, lose or draw. He carries the team most weeks."
John Felton, headteacher at St. Joseph's Catholic School & Sixth Form Centre, wrote in a statement: "We are deeply saddened by the news of the tragic and unexpected passing of one of our Year 11 pupils, Preston Camps. Preston was a wonderful pupil, incredibly polite and smiled throughout his time in St. Joseph's Catholic School & Sixth Form Centre. He will be sorely missed.
"Our school chapel will be open to pupils, parents, staff and friends of our school community at the following times: Thursday, December 28 (10am – 2pm), Friday, December 29 (10am – 2pm). Anyone who visits will be able to light a candle or make an entry into a condolence book. School will also be open from 2nd January with the same times as above. We have set up provision for support with the help of the NPT Counselling Service and our local clergy. Please keep the family in your prayers. Eternal rest grant unto Preston, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace, Amen."