Archbishop Holgate's School was in mourning yesterday as staff and pupils returned from the Easter break to hear of the tragic deaths of Joel Corner and Daniel Wright, both 15, who both studied there.

Popular Press van driver Peter Alexander, 57, of Dringhouses, York, was also killed in the horrific smash on Thursday, when an Audi A4, driven by Joel, veered out of control and crashed into the van driven by Mr Alexander in Stockton Lane, York.

Head teacher John Harris said: "Pupils and staff are shocked and saddened at the news.

"We have held special services and a minute's silence, set up books of condolence, and offered the School Chapel as a place of retreat and contemplation.

"Many members of the community have offered support. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Daniel, Joel and the van driver, Peter Alexander."

Reverend Terence McDonagh, of Christ Church, in Heworth Without, near where Joel's family lives, said: "Local churches are giving what support they can.

"I had thought about opening a book of condolences, but didn't want to add to the burden of the family.

"The local feeling is one of shock. Young people in the area are shocked that something like this could happen to someone in their age group.

"Whatever they were doing, and why ever they were doing it, the furthest thing from their minds was that this was the last thing they were ever going to be doing."

Joel would have been celebrating his 16th birthday yesterday.

His funeral will take place tomorrow.

Inquests into the deaths of all three victims have been opened and adjourned while a police investigation takes place.

Tributes from family and friends continue to mount up at the roadside where the victims died.

Teddy bears and an England flag were among gifts left for the teenagers.

Reverend Nancy Eckersley, vicar of St Paul's Church, in Heslington, near where Daniel lived, and chaplain to Archbishop Holgate's School, said: "We have done a remembrance book at the school, which has been used by members of our school community to record their memories and feelings.

"We have opened the school chapel so pupils can come in any time and sit and be quiet, write in the book, or light a candle."

She said people in Heslington were shocked that two people so young had died "so tragically and so suddenly".

Updated: 09:18 Wednesday, April 26, 2006