Friends and family of a teenager who died when she was hit by a car in Ringwould have paid their tributes to mark what would have been her 19th birthday.

Mara Nunes, 18, was killed in a collision with a silver Vauxhall Astra on the A258, between Ringwould and Walmer on Saturday, January 10 this year.

The Sandwich Technology pupil has been described by friends as “one of a kind” and a “beautiful and caring angel”.

She would have celebrated her 19th birthday on Thursday, October 8.

Her boyfriend Jack Terry put a flower box at the site where she died and a memorial bench has also been set up at Pines Gardens in St Margaret’s.

Mr Terry, 18, from Eastry said: “You would never find someone as kind, caring, thoughtful and amazing as Mara was, she really was one of a kind.

“She was always so happy and full of energy, and never put herself before anyone.

“She always made sure everyone was happy at whatever the cost.

“She touched so many lives and she didn’t even know it. So many people have showed their respect and support in this difficult time.

“I would give anything to see her smile and hear her voice one last time, and to tell her that I loved her and I missed her and most of all, never forget how good a friend she was.”

Mara was in foster care and living in Pike Road, Tilmanstone before moving to Walmer shortly before she died.

Her friends and Sandwich Tech pupils Chloe White, Liana Phillips and Leah Samson also paid their tributes.

Miss White said: “Mara, I can’t even put into words how much I miss you and how much I would have loved to see you celebrating your birthday.

“The things I would do to hear your laugh one last time and see you smiling. Keep shining bright up there babe.

“Happy birthday to a truly wonderful, amazing, beautiful and caring angel. You will always be in my heart.”

A video montage was also posted on Facebook by family member Sofia Raquel Nunes showing pictures of the teen with friends and family in east Kent and Guernsey, where her funeral was held earlier this year.

Miss Phillips said: “It’s truly heartbreaking that I’ll have to face even more birthdays without you here by my side, every day I wish that you could experience these milestones with me. I miss you like crazy, more and more each day and it never seems to get any easier.”

Miss Samson added: “She was an amazing friend to me and it’s a great shame she isn’t with us anymore, she was a caring loving person. She is sadly missed by everyone.”

The inquest into Mara’s death has been opened and adjourned. The file is still with the coroner and under a state of review.