A GWENT man who moved to Spain to start a new life has died after a car crash. Jody Durrant, 23, (pictured) of New Inn, died in Spain on July 24, following a road accident 10 days before.

He suffered serious injuries in the crash, near the resort town of Alicante, on July 14 as he drove a holidaying family from Alicante airport to apartments in Torreviecha. Mr Durrant had moved to Spain in April to begin a new life working for his father's property management company. His father, Paul, moved to Spain four years ago.

Mr Durrant, who was working alongside his sister Gemma, 21, was to be joined by his Abertillery-born girlfriend Mel Wise in August, after she completed a teaching qualification.

His grieving mother Gill Plumb, of Station Road, Griffithstown, said: "We've been told a car came towards Jody on the wrong side of the road because it was trying to overtake a large truck."

She added it was thought the truck swerved towards Mr Durrant's car as it tried to let the overtaking car in.

Mr Durrant sustained massive head injuries and severe internal bruising in the crash. He died in hospital after contracting pneumonia a week after the crash.

Mrs Plumb, who is divorced from Paul Durrant, said the Irish family in the car - a husband and wife, their daughter and grand-daughter - believe his driving skills may have saved their lives.

She said: "The grandfather told Jody's father if it hadn't been for his driving skills there would have been more deaths."

Both grandparents suffered head injuries but were later released from hospital. Their daughter remains in hospital with cuts to her face. The grand-daughter suffered serious injuries and was initially in intensive care but is now making a good recovery at Alicante's General Hospital.

Spanish police are questioning a local youth in relation to the crash.

Mr Durrant, who had previously spent two years living in Australia was "a free spirit who wasn't bothered about material things", Mrs Plumb said. "As long as he had food and shoes on his feet he was happy. There was so much he wanted to do and see but is just not to be."

Mr Durrant was cremated in a service attended by close family in Spain but a service is to held at St Mary's Church, New Inn, at 7.30pm this Friday.

Mr Durrant's family have requested no "mourning clothes" or flowers. Donations in lieu may be made to the Noah's Ark appeal c/o Gill Plumb, 41 Station Road, Griffithstown, NP4 5JJ.