FRIENDS of a man killed in a car crash on a busy road in Ebbw Vale have described him as “one of a kind”.

A 21-year-old man, named locally as Tom Baynton, of Gilwern, near Abergavenny, died in a two-car crash in Waun-y-Pound Road, near the former Coleg Gwent site, in Ebbw Vale on Friday night.

Gwent Police officers were called to the scene at around 7.43pm, along with fire and ambulance services, to find five people had been injured in the crash.

Family liaison officers are providing his family with support, said a Gwent Police spokesman.

More than 1,560 people have joined a Facebook page entitled ‘RIP Tom Baynton’ and left dozens of tributes to the popular former Brynmawr Comprehensive School pupil.

Family members were the first to leave flowers, including yellow roses, at the scene near Cemetery Corner roundabout today.

Friends have organised a meet-up at Gilwern car park tonight to light candles and remember the young man.

On Facebook, Anthony Carrington wrote of the Gilwern and District FC player: “I will certainly miss your cheeky chops especially in the dressing room on a Saturday. Always a star and you will continue to be a star shining on those who loved you. Good night God bless.”

Ciah Williams described Mr Baynton as “one of a kind”, while Lewis Thomas said Mr Baynton had been like a brother to him.

“For the best part of ten years we have laughed so much together, done so many things together and have had so many amazing and funny memories that you could just never put a price on,” he wrote.

“Life will not be the same without you bro.”

Malcolm Ewers wrote on behalf of Gwent Central League Committee that their feelings were with Mr Baynton’s family and that a Llanfoist AFC home game against Clydach AFC was cancelled as a mark of respect.

Councillors who live near the crash site and in Gilwern also paid their respects to Mr Baynton.

Blaenau Gwent councillors Clive Meredith and Brian Scully, both members for Badminton ward in Ebbw Vale, said their thoughts were with the families, while Brynmawr councillor Kevin Brown, who has also lost family members in a crash, said it was “a horrendous time”.

Monmouthshire councillor Simon Howarth, member for Llanelly Hill, near Gilwern, said the family were well respected and that Mr Baynton’s father, Bobby, who is heavily involved with football in Clydach, will be “totally devastated” as he is “devoted” to his sons.

“The whole area is probably totally shocked at what’s happened,” he said.

Gwent Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to ring 101 quoting log 459 29/11/13.