A TEENAGER who died when he crashed his moped into a lamp post was looking forward to a career in engineering, his devastated parents have said.

Popular Cameron Phillips, 16, died instantly in the accident in Brennan Road, Tilbury.

The youngster, of Sullivan Road, Tilbury, had only just begun a course as an apprentice welder after leaving Hassenbrook School in Stanford-le-Hope and had high hopes for his career.

Yesterday his devastated parents Tony and Denise described their boy as “a dearly loved son.”

In a statement they said: “Cameron was a dearly loved son, brother to Nathan and a good friend to everybody who knew him. Cameron was interested in fishing and liked mechanics.

“He left school last May and was excited when he started an apprenticeship in welding three weeks ago.

“All our family will miss Cameron greatly.”

Cameron was riding his white Piaggio moped along Brennan Road when he hit the lamp post at about 8pm on Sunday. The road was closed off for eight hours to traffic while forensic experts from Essex Police scoured the scene for clues as to how the tragedy unfolded.

It is thought the teenager lost control of the moped and no other vehicles were involved.

Floral tributes bearing emotional messages and cards have this week been left at the foot of a tree in Brennan Road, close to where the accident occurred.

Friends also posted messages on Facebook, describing Cameron’s kind nature.

One pal said: “Cameron was such a good boy. He loved and cared for everyone”, while another read: “RIP Cameron, you didn’t deserve to go like that as young as you were.”

No arrangements have so far been made for the funeral.