A GRIEVING mum paid special tribute to her son, a year after he tragically died in a car crash.

Lesley Smith, 52, placed a memorial at the spot where 18-year-old Michael died in Cardiff Road, Newport.

The horrific crash happened at 11.45pm, on Thursday, September 5, 2002, near the Argus offices.

Lesley, of Mallard Way, Duffryn, Newport, said the plaque signified a positive step for the family.

She said: "It's like an ending in one way but it means we're going forward."

Michael left behind a brother Maurice, 22, sister Alison Isaacs, 29, and nephew, five-year-old Matthew, who were with Mrs Smith when the tribute was laid down.

Mrs Smith said: "I think the plaque is what Michael would've wanted. I think he would be really chuffed."

The simple black, granite marker is engraved with white writing. It reads: "In loving memory of Michael R Smith who died here 5th September 2002. You'll never walk alone."

The fans' anthem for Liverpool FC was sung at Michael's funeral and Mrs Smith felt it was a fitting tribute for the plaque.

She admitted she still found it hard to cope with her son's death.

She said: "It's hard to explain at the moment. The first year has been very, very hard."

The pain of Michael's death was made greater because he had tried to save his brother, Stanley, from leukaemia years earlier.

Michael, then aged five, donated bone marrow to the three-year-old, but sadly Stanley died in March 1989.

Michael was buried alongside his brother at Newport's St Woolos Cemetery.

Mrs Smith also paid tribute to her ex-husband, Maurice, 51, family and friends.

She said: "I've had so much support. I'm not on my own very much. When I am on my own, though, it's sometimes quite nice. I like to have my own space."

The 16-year-old driver of the white Jetta car, which crashed into the wall by the Nightfreight office, admitted a charge of careless driving earlier this year. The youth, who cannot be named, received a community punishment order and 18-month driving ban.