A Powys college has paid tribute to a popular student killed in a collision near Newtown, as his inquest opens.

Owen Bennett, also known as Owen Latham, died on the B4568 in Aberhafesp in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday (May 2).

The 18-year-old carpentry apprentice has been described by lecturers and students at the NPTC campus in Newtown as "popular and highly thought of" in a touching tribute.

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In a statement, the college said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of one of our students who died following a road traffic collision. Owen Bennett was a Level 2 carpentry apprentice at Newtown College. He was popular and highly thought of by both his lecturers and fellow students.

"Our sincere and heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with the family, the students who form the immediate friendship group, the teaching and support staff directly affected and more generally the wider student and staff body at Newtown. The college has taken steps to support students and staff at Newtown College at this very sad time."

An inquest opening at South Wales Central coroner's court in Pontypridd on Thursday (May 12) heard the young man died in a road traffic collision along the B4568 near Aberhafesp.

Emergency services received reports of Owen's blue Ford Fiesta on its roof following a single-vehicle collision at about 4.50am.

Assistant coroner Patricia Morgan adjourned the hearing until a full inquest which has yet to be announced.

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Owen, who would have celebrated his 19th birthday on Saturday, was a young firefighter and keen photographer who volunteered his time with many events and clubs including downhill mountain bike events, Bettws Banger Racing and Newtown Swimming Club.

"He was a kind, thoughtful and caring young man, with a wonderful sense of humour and always wore his heart on his sleeve," his family said last week.

"He would always help others around him and this is how we ask him to be remembered."

Police officers have appealed for the public's help for information that could help with their investigation into how the crash happened.

Dyfed-Powys Police can be contacted online, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.