A KENT schoolgirl killed in a road crash last weekend has been identified.

She was 11-year-old Sam Horne, the youngest child of Lesley and Trevor Horne, of Trinity Place, Deal. The youngster was a pupil St Mary’s Primary School in the town.

Sam's parents have spoken of their daughter as “a ray of sunlight, always smiling and happy”.

Sam was being driven home on Saturday in a car involved in a collision with a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction on the Deal-Dover road.

Sam was with her friend, her friend’s brother and the boy and girl’s mother, who was the driver. The driver’s two children were also taken to hospital but it is believed all three have been sent home after treatment.

Mr and Mrs Horne, who also have four daughters and a son, have paid tribute to off-duty firefighter Steve Bailey, who was travelling back to Deal and helped the little girl at the scene of the accident.

They said: “What he told us gave us comfort and we know he did everything he could. We can never thank him enough.”

The couple have also thanked the police, especially the family liaison officer PC Nev Smith. "We will never forget his help and guidance," they stressd.

Kent Police’s serious collision investigation unit are still appealing for anyone with any information to contact officers on 01622 798538.

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