THE employer of 19-year-old twins, one of whom was killed in a car crash near Cononley at the weekend, has paid a heart-felt tribute to them.

Oliver Barraclough was a passenger in a VW Polo car which collided with a BMW X1 near Cononley Lane Ends on Saturday, January 25, shortly after 8pm.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

His twin brother, William, was also in the car and remains in a critical condition in Leeds General Infirmary.

A second passenger, named locally as 18-year-old Max Batey, received what police describe as 'life-changing injuries' and was taken to Airedale General Hospital.

Oliver and William were employers of Keighley-based RN Wooler & Co Ltd who paid tribute to Oliver and wished his brother a speedy recovery.

Alice Wooler, contracts administrator with the company said the company and workmates of the two boys were devastated with the news and that everyone was in shock.

She said: "Oliver Barraclough started working for R N Wooler & Co Ltd in January 2017 as a ‘Saturday lad’. Soon after, his twin brother, William joined us in February 2017.

"In the summer of 2017, they started full time employment with the company, Oliver as an apprentice bricklayer and William as an apprentice joiner.

"The twins were very likeable young men and their bubbly personalities combined with a respectful nature meant they were very popular with everyone they worked with.

"They were progressing well with their respectful apprenticeships and were half way through their third and final year.

"We were hopeful that both Oliver and William would have stayed with the company long after the completion of their apprenticeships and could see them both climbing the ladder.

"We are in touch with the boys' families and are hopeful that William will make a full recovery and will work for the company again.

"As everyone that met Oliver will say; we will never forget his cheeky grin."

Meanwhile, a child who was in the BMW car and received slight injuries in the collision has thanked firefighters for helping rescue her.

Skipton firefighters shared a photograph of seven-year-old Josie who had gone along to the station with chocolates.

She also visited Grassington firefighters who also helped in the aftermath of the crash.

Floral tributes have been placed at the scene of the crash on the A629 – near Cononley Lane Ends.

Tributes to the three have been left on social medial. One said: "So sad, fly high young man and speedy recovery for the two other young men."

Many others have sent their condolences to the family while another wrote: "A family shouldn't have to know this pain."

The driver of the BMW, a 63-year-old man, and his two passengers – a 63-year-old woman and a girl aged seven – were taken to Airedale Hospital with minor injuries.

Firefighters from Keighley, Skipton, Ilkley and Grassington attended, together with ambulance crews and police.

The road was closed for about eight hours.

North Yorkshire police are appealing for witnesses to the accident, or anyone with dashcam footage, to come forward. The white Polo was travelling towards Cross Hills, and the white BMW in the opposite direction.

Anyone with information should call 101 and ask for Andrew Ingram. Alternatively, e-mail andrew.ingram@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or MCIT@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Quote reference number 12200014372.