A GRIEVING family have paid a loving tribute to a teenager who died after his bicycle was in collision with a car. It happened near the North Herts Equestrian Centre on Norton Road, Baldock at around 8.18pm on Sunday. Jake Chapman, 14, was taken to Lister

A GRIEVING family have paid a loving tribute to a teenager who died after his bicycle was in collision with a car.

It happened near the North Herts Equestrian Centre on Norton Road, Baldock at around 8.18pm on Sunday.

Jake Chapman, 14, was taken to Lister Hospital where sadly he was pronounced dead later that night.

Jake's dad Ray, mum Janet, and grandparents Margaret and Bill Mabbitt today (Wednesday) paid this tribute:

"Jake was born at the Lister Hospital and grew up in Baldock. He went to St John's Primary School and then to Knights Templar Secondary. He loved and argued with brother Lee, 18, and sister Gemma, 20, in equal measure - just a normal family.

"Jake loved animals and playing pool. He was fascinated by steam and traction engines and was an apprentice with the Steam Preservation Society. He went along to rallies and events with Lee and his Grandad who he inherited the interest from.

"He loved football. He was a Manchester United fan, used to play for Baldock Town Youth and would attend and support games of the local Sunday team Cannon Football Club of which his mum is secretary.

"He had also discovered a keen interest in girls - and would quite often literally bathe in aftershave!

"You couldn't count how many friends Jake had. He had friends all over the place - wherever he went.

"He was quite grown up for his age too. He liked mixing with people of all ages. He was very approachable, polite and friendly. With his friends, we know he could get up to mischief - but to adults, he was the world.

"He had such a big heart. Jake could quite often be found mowing the lawn or running the Hoover around without being asked - just to give us a hand.

"Talking to other people, we've been given so many other examples of where Jake went out of his way to help other people - young and old.

"He was an all round character. A loving boy who loved his family and friends. He was a typical kid - popular and playful, outgoing and mischievous. If he ever got into trouble, he'd just have to give you a look and you couldn't help but forgive him.

"He was our spoilt baby and he was so special to us."

Jake's funeral will take place at St Mary's Church, Baldock, on January 11 at 2pm. The family say all Jake's friends and anyone who knew him are welcome to attend. The family say they do not wish to have flowers but dontations to be made to Headway the brain injury association.