TRIBUTES have been paid to a teenager who died after being hit by a car in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

The 17-year-old, named locally as Ian Gallagher, was involved in a collision with a white Volkswagen Polo on Mold Road in Gwersyllt, outside the entrance to Alyn Waters Country Park, at about 12.40am.

Mr Gallagher, who is understood to be from Denbigh, was taken to Wrexham Maelor Hospital with a serious head injury. He died on Tuesday night.

Floral tributes have been left near the entrance of Alyn Waters Country Park by family and friends.

Last night friends were also planning to set off fireworks and Chinese lanterns at Cae Howell playing fields in Denbigh.

More than 200 people have joined a memorial page on social networking website Facebook.

User Alice Purslow wrote: “Just been to put flowers down where this nightmare started Gal, now we’re all going for a drink to chat about the memories we all had together.

“It’s weird you not being here with us. We love you with all our hearts Ian.”

Amy Milner wrote: “One of the best people I have come across. Rest in peace.”

After leaving school Mr Gallagher became a cadet at the Military Preparation College (MPCT) in Wrexham.

Richard Platt, who works at the MPCT, wrote: “Well had a good night then get the horrible news this morning.

“You’re going to be missed by many Ian Gallagher. Thoughts are with your family.”

Fellow cadet Jamie Lloyd wrote: “Rest in peace mate. You were such a sound lad and you didn’t deserve to go. You’ll be truly missed and never forgotten.”

And Lauren Gerrard wrote: “College is going to be so dull and not the same without you mate. Meant a hell of a lot to many people.”

Mr Gallagher attended Denbigh High School before leaving in the summer.

A spokesman for the school said: “As a school we are all shocked by the news and very saddened.

“Ian left in the summer and still has lots of friends in the sixth form.”

Gwersyllt East and South councillor David Griffiths added: “Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.”

A post-mortem examination is expected to take place today before the opening of an inquest by John Gittins, acting coroner for North Wales (East and Central).

Anyone who saw the collision is urged to call North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.