THE mum of a former Monmouthshire teenager has paid tribute to her "baby boy" after he died in a motorcycle accident in Australia.

Jack Maskell, who lived in Undy before emigrating with his family, suffered serious injuries after losing control of his motorcycle and hitting a pole on Friday.

Paramedics were called to the crash at Augustine Heights - southwest of Brisbane - but declared the 18-year-old dead upon arrival, according to local news outlet The Courier Mail.

In an emotional post on Facebook, his mum, Amanda, paid tribute to her son, saying: “Eighteen years old, had your life ahead of you, you have left a big hole here, Jack. Life is never going to be the same.

“We lost our baby boy, words cannot describe our pain.

“My tears hurt. I want you back. Nothing will be the same.

“You’re not on your own up there. Give my mum a big hug.”

Messages from friends of Mr Maskell have also been shared on his mum's Facebook page.

One said: "Rest in peace. The most painful goodbyes are the ones that are never said and never expected."

Another rad: "Earlier today, heaven gained another angel. Fly high brother boy. We will all do you proud, I promise."

A shrine has been created the teenager at the family home in Springfield Lakes, Queensland.

The Welsh flag, rugby shirts, flowers and photographs are among items placed at the site by mourners.

A fundraising page set up by a family friend has raised close to its $10,000 goal in three days.

The page can be found at http://tinyurl.com/z89y4ap