THE family of a Bacup teenager killed in a motorcycling accident have paid tribute to their "wonderful son and brother".

Matthew James Entwistle, 15, died following an accident at the 4X4 Crown Quarry centre at Whitworth, Rossendale, on Thursday evening.

The youngster, a pupil at Fearns Community Sports College, Bacup, was a keen trials biker and a member of Rossendale Motocross Club.

He lived in Rochdale Road, Bacup, with his family, who today issued a statement saying: "Matthew was a fun loving, caring and beautiful young boy.

"He loved life and grasped it with both hands, living it to the full.

"He was outgoing and made many friends and we feel sure that his warmth will have touched their hearts just as it touched ours, his family.

"He was a wonderful son and brother who was not afraid to openly show his love for us his brothers, Brett and Louie.

"Matthew's passion was motocross and BMX riding and the last three months where he has been riding and competing for Rossendale AMCA have probably been some of the happiest times in his short life.

"We're all devastated by Matthew's death and we're struggling to understand why someone so young, so special, so loving has been taken from his family.

"He will be sadly missed by his family and his many friends at school and Rossendale Motocross Club.

"We would like to thank all our family and friends for all the support they have given in the last few days and a special thank-you to the emergency services who we are told fought valiantly to save Matthew."

Police and safety officials from Rossendale Council are now investigating the incident at the 150-acre off-road site at Crown Quarry.

Police Inspector Simon Heys said: "The police and local health and safety officers are investigating the incident to look at the nature of the actions that led to the young man's death."

It is understood Matthew fell to his death over a steep drop of over 70ft.

Emergency services and members of the Pendle and Rossendale Mountain Rescue Team attempted to save the teenager.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 01282 425001.