A grieving dad has paid tribute to his son - a "big soft lad" - who died in a car accident while on his way to deliver Christmas presents.

Graham Soame has told of his heartache following the death of his son Chris on the day before Christmas Eve.

He explained how the popular football-mad 22-year-old was always there for his friends.

The former Witney schoolboy was on his way to visit his dad when his new Ford Fiesta was involved in a collision with a 7.5-ton box van.

The accident happened on the A4260 between Deddington and Adderbury at about 9.30am on Sunday, December 23.

His father was told about his son's death at noon, when his former wife called him about the accident.

Mr Soame, 56, from Chapel Road, South Leigh, said: "I was so proud of him because it was his first car.

"He was coming over to see us to bring our presents and stay for the day and he did not turn up.

"At first it felt so unreal. When I was told I suppose I was in shock. Even now it is not settling down completely.

"It won't ever be right. We were all so stunned."

Mr Soame said Chris - the grandson of Witney antique dealer John Soame - grew up in Witney, where he attended the Batt School, in Marlborough Lane, and then Henry Box School, in Church Green.

He lived with his mother in Warwickshire from 2002 before moving to Grimsburym, in Banbury, where he worked at a mechanic's workshop and then as a metalworker.

He leaves behind his father, mother Joan, sisters Alix, 31, and Vicki, 29, as well as 19-month-old half brother Oliver and his stepmother Janet, who is expecting another child within the next few weeks.

Mr Soame said: "Chris was a typical 6ft young man with a bit of a gruff exterior, but a big soft centre.

"My 'big soft lad' is what I used to call him. He and I were very close. I would honestly say that I was closer to him than any other man on Earth.

"We did at least tell each other how we felt about each other, which people do not always do."

Chris had been nicknamed Footsy' by pals after he broke a toe, his father explained.

He said: "He was a very bright kid.

"His mental arithmetic was great and he was always beating us at quizzes.

"He was also football mad. I always felt he had football talent. When he was 10 he scored a goal from a corner kick.

"His love really was Spurs. He and I did get there a few times to watch them and he would also go to Oxford United.

"He had a lot of friends both in Banbury and Witney.

"He would always be there for them. They have told me he was a loyal friend who would give you his last penny."

A funeral service will be held at St Mary Magdalene Church, in Woodstock, tomorrow from 2.30pm.