THE Basildon engineering student killed alongside his girlfriend in a motorcycle accident will be honoured in a special Chinese lantern ceremony tomorrow.

Pals of Bradley Cooper, 18, and Abbey Parker, 17, will gather to pay tribute to the pair by letting off hundreds of decorative lanterns into the sky above Bradley’s home town of South Woodham Ferrers.

It comes as parents of both teenagers paid an emotional tribute to their children.

Bradley, 18, of Coxs Close, South Woodham Ferrers was studying for an apprenticeship qualification at Prospects College in Basildon.

He had been with Abbey, a hairdresser from Mayland, for three-and-a-half years and the couple were said to be “inseperable”.

Speaking for the first time since the tragedy, Brad’s family, said: “For the short time Bradley was with us, every single moment was a joy and every joyful moment we had we shall cherish in our hearts forever.

“He always woke in the morning with a smile on his face and went to bed with a smile. He brought joy to everyone he met. “He was a kind and considerate friend, loyal brother, looking out for his sisters and the most wonderful son and treasured grandson anyone could ask for.

“Never judging, only loving. Thank you for every moment of joy you have brought us all, and will still bring in our wonderful memories.

“Our love for you is a journey, starting at forever and ending at never. You wonderful, special young man.

“You are now together with your wonderful, darling Abbey, no one will ever keep you apart.”

Two tractors were involved in a collision with Brad’s Yamaha motorcycle in Lower Burnham Road, North Fambridge, at 9.35am on Sunday. At first it was thought only one was involved.

Bradley was riding the bike with Abbey as his pillion passenger. They were on their way to take part in the annual Essex Air Ambulance motorbike run from Laindon to Harwich.

Friends of both teenagers will be meeting at Compass Gardens, in Creekview Road, South Woodham Ferrers to let off the lanterns tomorrow. A collection for the Essex Air Ambulance charity will also be held.

Police closed the road on Tuesday night to allow family and friends to lay floral tributes, safely, at the scene of the tragedy.

l A 43-year-old man from the Chelmsford area has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by driving while uninsured in relation to the incident and has been bailed until January.