TWO schools have paid tribute to two popular former students who died following a crash in Denbigh.

Paul Corness and his friend, known as John Bon, died following a crash on Saturday night on the A525 Denbigh bypass. Floral tributes have been left at the scene in memory of the men, both aged 27.

Paul was a former Denbigh High School pupil. He had been travelling in Australia and returned home a few months back.

John was a former pupil at Ysgol Glan Clywd in St Asaph and worked for Henllan Bakery.

Debbie Pierce, pastoral leader at Denbigh High who taught Paul, said: "We, at the school, are all shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the sudden passing of Paul and his friend John.

"Paul was an upstanding, popular and genuinely lovely young man, who was adventurous and had a passion for living life to the full.

"Many of our staff had the pleasure of watching Paul grow from a charming and humorous boy, into a fine young man and will remember him with great fondness.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time."

Bethan Cartwright, headteacher at Ysgol Glan Clwyd, said: "We remember John as extremely pleasant and likeable member of the school community who had a wide circle of friends.

"Our memories include his obvious passion for sport and his sense of humour. He was member of the rugby team which gained much success where he showed strong leadership skills within the team. He also represented the school and the county in shot put.

"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the wider community in Denbigh at this difficult time."

Tributes to the men have poured in on social media.

Henllan Bakery posted: "It is with huge sadness that we here at Henllan Bakery received the news of John Roberts-Jones’ (John Bon’s) untimely passing.

"He was a well loved and valuable member of our team here at Henllan Bakery and will be greatly missed by us all.

"Our thoughts are with all of his family and friends at this sad time."

Ceri Hughes posted on Facebook: "I cannot put into words how broken I feel. For everyone that knew us, will understand that Paul was like a brother to me and we share years of memories.

"I also lost another good friend John Bon. Kindest and most loyal person I have ever known."

Rhian James-Ellis posted: "Two young popular lads of Denbigh never to be seen again. My thoughts go out to all of Paul Corness family and my good friend John Bon. So bloody funny, kind and genuine to say the least."

Charlotte Jones commented: "I've woken up to be told that two amazing lads have been taken away far too early - Paul Corness and John Bon. I'm literally devastated, I feel sick. Paul is one of the nicest lads going and he has a heart of gold. My heart goes out to all the family of Paul and John."

Police are appealing for witnesses following the crash in Denbigh on Saturday night. The incident took place on the A525 Denbigh bypass and involved a blue Porche Caymen.

Superintendent Mark Pierce from North Wales Police, said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved in the collision during this difficult time."

This weekend saw four people killed and another two seriously injured following four separate collisions.

Chief Superintendent Neill Anderson, head of operational support services at North Wales Police, added: “This has been a desperately sad weekend and our heartfelt sympathies go out to all families and friends of those involved.

"Whilst we cannot comment specifically on the collisions themselves; I would like to reassure the public that our investigations are continuing with many lines of enquiry underway involving the Roads Policing Unit, the Forensic Collision Investigation Unit and colleagues from the Local Policing Teams."

North Wales Police are appealing for information or to anyone who may have dash cam footage. Telephone 101, quote reference number W051275.