TWO North Ayrshire football clubs have paid tributes to a former player who tragically died in a car crash at the weekend.

Thirty-year-old Gavin Stokes was driving a Mercedes GLC at Thornwood roundabout near Dumbarton Road in Glasgow on Saturday, October 8 when it appears the vehicle lost control and left the road.

Emergency services attended but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family has paid tribute to him as a beloved son, amazing dad, brother, uncle and friend.

He is described as being the life and soul of the party and a devoted father to his son Freddie.

Gavin also loved his mum Alice, dad Edward, sister Shannon, brother Garry, and niece Isla very dearly and he will be greatly missed.

The former Scotland youth international played for Dundee United and Alloa Athletic, having also featured for local teams Kilbirnie Ladeside and Irvine Meadow.

In a social media post shared on Saturday night, Ladeside said they were "devastated to hear of the passing of our former player in such tragic circumstances".

A similar post on Medda's Twitter page read: "The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Irvine Meadow XI FC go out to all Gavin's family and friends at this truly awful, sad time."

One of the highlights of Mr Stokes' football career came in 2017 when the midfielder scored one of the world's fastest-ever recorded goals - netting from kick-off for Maryhill against Clydebank in just 3.2 seconds.

Police Scotland have launched an investigation into the crash.

Sergeant Paul Mellis said: "Our investigation is ongoing and I would appeal to any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police to contact us.

"I would also be keen to obtain and dash-cam from motorists who were driving on this road around the time of the crash.

"Information can be passed to 101 with reference number 0221 of October 8."