Tributes have been paid to two young friends who died in a head-on smash with a lorry.

The victims, named locally as Daryl Hunter and Nairn Steele, died at the scene of the crash near Muirhill Farm on Wednesday afternoon.

The 23-year-old men were in a Volkswagen Golf on the A723 near Strathaven, South Lanarkshire when it was involved in a collision with a Scania lorry.

Online tributes from friends have flooded in for the pair and flowers were laid near the scene of the crash as police continue their investigations and appeal for witnesses.

Donna Mathieson said online: "RIP Daryl, actually cannot believe it. Such a crazy amazing guy. Always full of smiles, laughs and banter. You will be missed by so many people. Rest easy buddy. One of the best guys I've ever met. Another life taken so soon. Fly high."

Amy Crothers wrote on Facebook: "Sleep tight Nairn and Daryl. It's still not sunk in yet. It was a pleasure to have you as a friend Nairn and I'm glad we shared some great memories with each other.

"You were one in a million, a true gentleman, always in my heart angel...will miss your daftness and banter dearly."

Taylor Burke added: "Not slept all night, can't stop thinking about you Daryl, found this selfie on my phone lastnight of you, always smiling! You'll definetley be missed loads RIP pal."

Ashley Anderson wrote: "Can't believe it, two boys taken far too early. Daryl Hunter you were one of a kind so funny and what a laugh and Nairn Steele. RIP boys. Sending love to your families."

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "Around 2.55pm on Wednesday, a 23-year-old man was driving a Volkswagen Golf car north on the A723 at Muirhall Farm, near Strathaven, when it collided with a Scania articulated lorry that was travelling in the opposite direction.

"The 23-year-old driver of the car and his 23-year-old male passenger died at the scene. The 26-year-old driver of the lorry was not injured."

Sergeant Craig McDonald at the Divisional Road Policing Unit at Motherwell would like to speak to anyone who witnessed this road crash. He can be contacted via telephone number 101.