THE family of a popular skater who died in a car crash hopes to inspire other youngsters to try in-line skating.

Neil Webb, 19, of Spruce Drive, Bicester, was a passenger in Ryan Naylor’s Citroen Saxo when it crashed head-on with a BMW in Ardley last October.

He suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Last month, Naylor, 21, of Ardley Road, Fewcott, was jailed for 32 months at Oxford Crown Court after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.

Now in tribute to Neil, his family has paid for professional in-line skaters to visit Bicester Activity Day, a free event at Garth Park on Wednesday from 11am to 3pm, to give demonstrations and tips.

His parents Jeff and Anita, 44, and sister Claire, 22, set up the Neil Webb Memorial Fund at his funeral, raising about £1,300.

Firefighter Mr Webb, 49, said: “Everyday he would go to the skate park after school and meet his friends.

“He was a really good in-line skater, probably one of the best in Bicester at the time.”

The memorial fund has also paid for a bench in Garth Park, overlooking the skate park.

Former Bicester Community College pupil Neil worked at the car parts firm First Line, in Bicester.

Mr Webb said: “He was very popular, always laughing and joking. He had lots of friends and enjoyed life. He was the life and soul of the party, a likeable lad.

“We are pleased to be sponsoring the in-line skating at the event because for a large part of his life, Neil enjoyed skating at the skate park with his friends.

“We want to give others the chance to come along to try it for themselves.”

As well as in-line skaters, there will be a host of other activities at the activity day including skateboarders, wall climbing, giant sumo suits, martial arts, badminton, goals, street dance, arts and crafts, and a motor-racing simulator.