Worcester Evening News Friday 17th November 2006

THE friends and schoolmates of a Malvern teenager who died last year have finished the project on which he was working and dedicated it to his memory.

Scott Rice, 14, was among a group of young people who went to Riversides Special School in Thorneloe Road, Worcester, and also attended Motov8 (formerly the Dragon Project) - a Worcester educational project for youngsters fascinated by cars.

''The car is stunning and it is the thought that went into it that is so good.'' Mike Price

Scott, who was discovered hanged at his home in Wren Avenue in June last year, had been helping to rebuild a Ford Sierra at a workshop in Gregory's Mill Street, in Barbourne, Worcester.

Motov8 workshop manager Mike Price said work on the car stopped after Scott's death, but the group had since decided to finish it in his memory.

He said 20 lads aged 15 to 18 were involved, some of whom knew Scott and had worked with him.

"They all wanted to get involved and get it done for him," said Mr Price. "The car is stunning and it is the thought that went into it that is so good.

The youngsters decided to cut Scott's name in the grille and paint it in the colours he liked, said Mr Price.

The car was unveiled at a presentation for parents in Perdiswell, attended by Scott's mother Carrie.

She said: "It was such a nice gesture. It was really touching because they are all so young. It has taken them 12 months to do it. They have rebuilt it from scratch. I fell really humbled by what they have done. I saw the car when it was just a shell but going to the presentation was just overwhelming."

It is hoped the dual control car will be entered in races.