A MOTHER has paid tribute to her toddler son and his father after they were killed in a devastating road crash in Trafford Park.

Colin Gallon, 32, and Connor, aged just two, died after their Suburu collided with a lorry near the junction between Harp and Guinness roads.

Mum, Sarah Hughes, 25, deputy manager at Lymehurst Day Nursery, Flixton, has set up a group in memory of them on social networking site Facebook, which is called R.I.P Colin and Connor Gallon and has nearly 500 members and dozens of heartfelt messages.

Sarah, talking at stepdad Mike Morgan’s Flixton home, which was lined with sympathy cards and filled with Connor’s old toys, told Messenger: “Sadly my two precious boys were killed in a tragic car accident. They will be sadly missed and have left a huge void. They were my world.

“Please join this group as a celebration of the joy and laughter they both brought. The group is helping me as a support network, as are my friends and family.

“Connor was born on Christmas Day and was the best present i could have wished for. While I am truly devastated at my loss, I still think I was so lucky to have what time I had with them. I keep thinking I’m going to wake from a nightmare.”

The family moved to Anson Street in Winton, Eccles, from Flixton, less than a month ago and were looking forward to settling down in their first home together. A week before the accident Sarah and Colin, who were together for seven years, had talked about getting engaged.

When the crash happened on Friday at 1.50pm, Colin, who went to Wellacre Technology College, and Connor were on their way to the Trafford Centre to buy the tot some furniture for his new bedroom.

After the crash, paramedics desperately tried to save Connor, who was in a child's seat in the rear of the car.

Firefighters arrived shortly after and removed Colin from the car. Both Connor, already an ardent Manchester United fan, and his dad, a keen fisher, were rushed to Hope Hospital, Salford, but were pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

A Greater Manchester Fire Service spokesman said: “Although the little boy appeared to have been in a child seat, the damage to vehicle was very severe and tragically both victims did not survive.”

Engines from Eccles and Stretford attended the scene, along with an enhanced rescue unit from Ashton that uses heavy cutting and lifting equipment.

Mike, 44, said: "A light has gone out in the world, but has lit up heaven again. God took him from us as he was an angel short and just so that he wasn't lonely, he took his daddy as well to keep him com pany and look after him."

Colin was a devoted father according to his sister, Anne, and Connor's grandmother, Christine Morgan, aged 46.

Anne said: "He was the best brother anyone could ask for and a wonderful daddy."

Christine said: "Connor was my first grandson and the best present ever born qt Christmas. He was truly an angel and now he’s in heaven with his daddy. They were both beautiful.”

Colin's mother, Jennifer Smith, said: “Colin was a son any mum would be proud of. He was always there to lend a hand and would go out of his way to help you.”

Sarah’s sister, Lauren, 20, said: “Connor was my ‘neph’. At family gathering all eyes were on him, he was so outgoing.”

Connor’s aunty and uncle, Abbie and Ben, aged eight and 10, said: “He was a credit to us all and it’s tragic that he was taken away from us. We miss him so much.”

Mike’s wife Lorraine, 43, added: “I didn’t like to be called grandma but I’d give anything to hear Connor say that word to me now.”

The driver of the HGV, which belonged to Sale-based company, was not injured.

Harp Road was closed on Friday night as police investigators studied the scene.

The damaged Subaru was lifted onto a recovery vehicle. The front of the lorry cab was severely dented.

Police are appealing for witnesses and want to speak to a man in a red Volvo saloon who offered help after the accident.

The family also wish to thank another man, believed to have given CPR to Connor.

Anyone with information should call the road policing division on 0161 856 7781.