A COLLEGE has commemorated the life of a former student who was killed alongside his girlfriend in a motorbike crash.

Students, workmates, family and staff came together at Prospects College, in Crompton Close, Basildon, on Monday to remember Brad Cooper on the anniversary of his death.

The 18-year-old of Coxs Close, South Woodham Ferrers, who was an engineering apprentice at the college, was killed with his girlfriend, Abbey Parker, 17, of The Drive, Mayland, when the motorbike they were travelling on hit a tractor in Burnham Road, North Fambridge, a year ago yesterday.

A memorial tree was planted in honour of Brad in the college grounds and a new plaque also bears a tribute to him.

Brad’smum Donna Cooper, 44, was there when it was unveiled.

She said: “I think it was wonderful, really touching and I just think it was a lovely mark of respect for him.

“He always enjoyed college and enjoyed work. We’re really proud of everything he did there.

“He just loved life and lived it to the full and I’m glad he did.”

Neil Bates, group chief executive at the college, added: “Bradley was well liked and a popular apprentice.

“We are pleased to commemorate his memory by planting a tree here at Prospects College.”

The young couple were heading for Burnham to meet other bikers and were planning to join the annual Essex Air Ambulance Motorcycle Run, at Ford Dunton, that takes riders from Laindon to Harwich when tragedy struck.

Motorbike enthusiast Brad, who worked at Gardner Aerospace, in Wollaston Way, Basildon, as part of his apprenticeship, was riding the bike he got for his 17th birthday, with hairdresser Abbey as his pillion passenger.

Amemorial ride was also held on Sunday to remember the popular teenagers, who both used to attend William de Ferrers School, in South Woodham Ferrers.

Riders set off from Tesco in Laindon and travelled past both Brad and Abbey’s places of work and their colleges before arriving in Burnham.