A MAN who died in a horror smash outside a school has been named locally as Paul Rostron.

The train driver was pronounced dead at the scene when the black Mercedes he was driving crashed into a tree before colliding with a van on Smithills Dean Road.

The area, just outside Smithills High School, was closed off from around 6pm until 10pm yesterday evening.

TransPennine Express, the company Mr Rostron worked for, paid tribute to him.

A spokeswoman said: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Paul, who was a much respected member of team.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Flowers have been placed near the site of the crash by friends.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 6pm yesterday evening police were called to reports of a collision on Smithills Dean Road in Bolton.

"Enquiries established that a black car collided with a tree before colliding with a stationary white van.

"Emergency services attended and the driver of the car was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

"No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

"Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 2071 of 24/11/2020.

"Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."