THE parents of a young York man who died in a car crash have told how memories of their "hero" son are helping them come to terms with his tragic death.

Richard Dale, 22, was killed when his car smashed into a tree in Foss Islands Road early on Friday as he drove to start his working day at Terry's factory.

Richard, a fork-lift driver, of Alder Way, New Earswick, could have fainted at the wheel, causing his Vauxhall Cavalier to spin out of control, said his devastated parents Lynda and Trevor, both 49.

"He never complained of feeling unwell. I cooked him his breakfast and he went to work as usual," said Mrs Dale.

Mr and Mrs Dale said Richard's girlfriend Rachel, 19, together with friends, neighbours and relations, had been a great comfort, recalling how Richard would help them.

"When he had a paper round he used to knock on people's doors and ask if they needed anything," said Mr Dale.

"He'd collect their prescriptions and shopping for them and bring them back with their papers.

"He used to take friends and their mums and dads all over the place, and he'd always be waving or beeping his horn at friends.

"He lived for his weekend. We've seen a whole other life through people's photos and memories. We're devastated. We're going to sadly miss him. He was our baby."

Mrs Dale, who is disabled, said Richard did as much as he could for her and his family. She said: "His girlfriend, Rachel, said he was the most generous person she'd ever met. I already knew that about him, but it's so touching when other people say that to you.

"He loved going to the pub with his friends, football and his cars. He liked working at Terry's."

Richard, who had an elder brother, Chris, 25, was a former pupil of Joseph Rowntree School. His aunt, Karen Dale, 40, said Richard was a "happy-go-lucky" lad.

"He was a big part of our family," she said. "He had about ten cousins and they've all grown up together. "They've gone their own way, but all still live in the same community and have always been there for each other. They only had to call Richard up and he'd be there."

Jo Florence, business manager of Manpower, who were Richard's employers, said: "We are saddened by this news. Richard joined Manpower in March 2000, just after his 18th birthday, and worked on assignment at a local company until May 2002. He returned to Manpower in December 2003 to work with Kraft Foods.

"Richard was always keen and committed, easy-going, always wanting to learn new skills - a credit to any employer. Our thoughts are with Richard's family."

Richard's funeral will be held on Friday at All Saints' Church, Huntington, at 3pm.

Updated: 10:04 Wednesday, September 08, 2004