TWO teenagers who had been inseparable for much of their lives died in an horrific road smash.

Best friends Kane Ryland Edward Banner and Ryan Fairley, both from County Durham, were killed instantly when the car they were in swerved out of control and smashed into a tree on Sunday.

Kane, 17, had been driving his Ford Fiesta on the outskirts of Durham City when he failed to take a left-hand bend, left the road and hit the tree. His 18-year-old best friend, Ryan, was a front seat passenger in the car.

Both were certified dead at the scene of the accident, near the Cock Of The North pub on the A167.

The road was blocked for more than five hours while officers examined the scene.

Kane lived with his mother, Denise, and nine-year-old brother Nathan in Douglas Crescent, Auckland Park, Bishop Auckland.

He had passed his driving test soon after his 17th birthday in March. The Fiesta, which he had bought only a few weeks ago, was said to be his pride and joy.

Ryan had been living with his grandparents in Middlestone Moor, near Spennymoor.

His mother, Katherine, lives in Bishop Middleham and his father, Stephen, lives in Surrey.

Mrs Fairley said of the pair, who had known each other for nine years: "They were always together, never apart. They were friends to the end."

A Mass will be held in their memory today at the pair's former school, St John's RC Comprehensive School, in Bishop Auckland.

Headteacher Gerard Moran said: "We have said prayers for them and their families are in all our thoughts and prayers."

Both had left the school at 16. Kane was an apprentice tyre fitter in Spennymoor and Ryan an apprentice dry-liner with a company in Billingham, on Teesside.

An investigation into the crash has begun. Traffic police are appealing for the driver of a Vauxhall Astra, believed to be blue, to come forward.

PC Mal Thomas, of the accident investigation unit, said: "We believe the driver of this car may be able to give us information that will help us understand exactly what happened."

Anyone with information can call the accident investigation team on 0191-375 2159.