A SCHOOLBOY who died in a motorway crash was "a true superhero", his parents have said.

Joe Cairns, 14, from Radcliffe in Greater Manchester, and 50-year-old Anne Kerr died when an HGV and a school minibus crashed on the M58, near Bickerstaffe, on Tuesday.

Today the teenager's parents, Steph and Andy Cairns, said their son had a "heart of gold" and "an amazing sense of humour and infectious smile".

A number of other people were seriously injured in the crash.

Joe was a pupil at Pontville School for students with special educational needs in Ormskirk, Lancashire.

In a statement, Mr and Mrs Cairns said: "Joe, my brave boy, a true fighter with a heart of gold.

"An amazing sense of humour and infectious smile, a true superhero."

The HGV driver, a 31-year-old man from Chorley, who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, has since been released while inquiries continue.

Ms Kerr's family said she was a "much loved" mum "to two lovely boys" and will be "deeply missed by all her friends and family".