THE heartbroken families have paid tribute to two young men - described as the best of friends - who died in a horror crash near Denbigh.

John Michael Jones, 18, Leon Rice, 17, both from Ruthin, and Colin Hornsby, 17, who was from Droylsden, Greater Manchester, were travelling in a Vauxhall Corsa when it crashed with a Vauxhall Antara on Graig Road between Denbigh and Trefnant shortly before 7.30pm on Friday, October 26.

All three were pronounced dead at the scene.

The family of John Michael Jones - known to friends as Michael - said in a statement: "Michael was the most loving son, big brother to Joanne, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. We will all miss his big smile and big hugs.

"He loved his rugby, wagons, driving his car and being with his friends.

"He would do anything for anyone and the most caring person you could meet.

"We will miss him and are devastated and heartbroken. Life will never be the same again."

The family of Leon also paid tribute to their "very loving, hardworking" and "caring son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend".

"We are absolutely devastated by his loss," they said.

"He was well-known and liked by many people in the local area and will be greatly missed.

"Leon and Michael were the best of friends and to lose both in such tragic circumstances is truly devastating.”

All three families are being supported by specially-trained Family Liaison Officers.

A 16-year-old boy who was a passenger in the Corsa remains in a critical condition at hospital in Aintree, Liverpool.

A 19-year-old, who was also in the Corsa, was taken to at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan with serious injuries.

A 68-year-old female passenger from the Vauxhall Antara has been transferred to hospital in Stoke with serious injuries.

A 66-year-old male driver also suffered minor injuries.

North Wales Truck Gathering will be carrying out a convoy and lantern parade tonight (Sunday) at 6pm in respect of the young men.

The investigation is ongoing and officers continue to appeal to anybody who may have information that could assist the investigation to contact them at the Roads Policing Unit on 101 or via the live web chat quoting reference number W153175.