HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a popular and vivacious student who has died after a road accident.

Victoria Smith, 17, of Ewell Minnis, near Dover, was driving to Swingate Inn on the A258 where she worked when the collision occurred.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash involving Victoria's Peugeot 106 travelling east and a westbound Mini Cooper and Citroen Zsara Picasso.

Astor College pupil Victoria lived with her mother Diane Kirby, her boyfriend Martyn Beaumont and grandparents Kit and Shirley Lorenzen. She was a great animal lover and keen horsewoman who had ridden all her life and competed successfully at numerous local shows.

The former Temple Ewell Primary School pupil had her heart set on going to college. Her uncle Steve Matthews said: "She was a lovely, bright, bubbly girl, always so full of life, and with her whole life ahead of her.

"She was very likeable and will be missed by so many people. All I can say is she was too good for this world and feel that's why she was taken from us."

Astor College principal Chris Russell said: "We are all devastated at Victoria's tragic death. She was a wonderful student and a lovely person who gave a huge amount to college life. Academically, she was doing extremely well. Our thoughts and prayers go to her mother and family at this time of great sorrow."

Staff at the Swingate Inn where Victoria was a waitress are grief-stricken. She had transferred to the pub three months ago when proprietor Karen Williams moved her team there from the Marquis of Granby in Alkham where Victoria had worked previously.

Mrs Williams said Victoria had worked for her for two years in total and was an extremely popular member of her 25-strong team.

She said: "Vicky was a bubbly, kind, lovely, gorgeous girl. Nothing was too much trouble for her. She was friends with my daughter Jamie and they went to school together. Vicky was going back for her A-levels and afterwards planning to go into the police force.

Mrs Williams has already ordered a bench to stand outside the pub inscribed "in loving memory" to Victoria.

Victoria suffered multiple injuries and was treated by paramedics at the accident scene, also attended by Kent Fire Brigade. She was taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford and was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

The other drivers received minor injuries. Police investigating the crash would like to hear from anyone who has not already spoken to an officer. They are asked to contact PC Paul Howe on 01304 240055.

Victoria's funeral will be held at noon on Monday at Barham crematorium. Family flowers only, donations to the Kent Air Ambulance or the East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust, c/o WJ Farrier & Son, 161 London Road, Dover.