A creative arts charity has paid tribute to a "beautiful" volunteer who died after a crash in Oldham last weekend.

Clair, 42, and her son Sam, 15, whose surnames have not been released by police, died after a two-vehicle crash on Ripponden Road on Saturday at around 4pm.

A 13-year-old passenger in the same car as Clair and Sam was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has since been bailed.

Headspace Bolton, a mental health charity which offers comedy, music, film and spoken word workshops for free, has paid tribute to Clair, who volunteered at the cause before the pandemic.

A charity spokesperson said: “We are absolutely shocked and devastated to hear the tragic news.

"Clair was such a beautiful human, absolutely devoted to her son and to helping others. 

“She volunteered with us at Headspace Bolton before the pandemic when we were based at the Octagon Theatre (in Bolton town centre).

“Clair was an incredibly talented designer, writer and comedian who used her experience and skills to support others.

“She will undoubtedly be sadly missed by so many.”

Clair and Sam's family released a heartfelt tribute at the weekend, which said: “Clair was a smart, loving parent, daughter and sister who would do anything for anyone.

“She loved going to pottery class every week and was such a creative person and she could go from a lump of clay to making whatever she put her mind to.

“Sam was in Year 11, looking forward to studying music at college. He loved to sing and to play the drums.

"Listening to music was one of Sam’s favourite things to do, he was always around the house with his headphones on.

“When Sam wasn’t listening to music, he could be found in a world of his own playing on his computer.

“Sam’s family meant the world to him, he was a brother and son whose loss will leave a hole in our family forever.

“Christmas without Sam and Clair will be immensely difficult not only for us, but for everybody that knew them both.”

People with information, such as dashcam, mobile phone, or CCTV/doorbell footage from the area in the moments before the crash, are asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 2,304 of 23/12/2023.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.