A teenager who died in a car crash helped to save the lives of others by donating her organs, an inquest heard.

Larissa Shepherd, of Brewer Street, Maidstone, was just 15 when she died following an accident in New Cut Road, Maidstone, last October.

She was unconcious for more than a week, and died at King's College Hospital, in London, on November 7.

Coroner Roger Sykes paid “tremendous tribute” to her parents for making a decision that would have “benefitted others”.

The inquest heard that a Ford Ka, driven by Abbie-Anne Hewett, was driving safely and within the 40mph speed limit when Larissa ran out in front of it.

Forensic collision expert PC David Kirk from Kent Police said all the evidence suggested it was not a high speed impact.

The inquest was told that Larissa died of her head injuries.

Mr Sykes, coroner for Mid Kent and Medway, said: “Her death was an accident, a most tragic accident particularly because of her young age.”

For the full story see this Friday's Kent Messenger.