TRIBUTES have been paid to two teenagers who died in an horrific crash after the car they were travelling in collided with a goods lorry.

Joe Bunce, 17, from Church Lane, Harrietsham, near Maidstone, and 14-year-old Daisy Washington, from Ashford, lost their lives after the accident on the A20 at Lenham, last Wednesday afternoon.

The driver of the car, a man in his 20s, and another female passenger, from the Ashford area, were seriously injured.

Miraculously, a four-year-old girl from Lenham, who was travelling in the same car, escaped shocked but unhurt.

The mother of Joe Bunce says she feels “numbed” by his death. Forty-two-year-old Lorraine described him as loving, charismatic and funny.

Surrounded by friends and family, she said: “He was loud but fun, and cheeky. He was very loving, he always told us that he loved us.”

Joe was a former pupil of Swadelands School in Lenham. He left at 16 to concentrate on his main interest, motocross racing. He took up the sport about four years ago.

The head teacher of Swadelands School, where Daisy Washington was still a pupil, has paid tribute to both youngsters.

Richard Baddeley said sports-loving Daisy was described by many of her teachers as a beautiful person who would always have a smile on her face.

He added: "She was vibrant and charismatic and will always be remembered as a wonderful friend who was always on hand to offer advice and support when needed. Daisy’s wonderful smile and character will always be missed at Swadelands.”

Mr Baddeley said Daisy enjoyed netball, golf and swimming and showed a real passion and flair for skiing having just returned from a school ski trip.

The school would remember Joe as being lively, full of energy and fiercely loyal to friends and family.

He said: “He was hugely popular, not only in his form group, but to the whole school community. Joe had a great sense of fairness and justice to all."

He stressed: “Our thoughts go to their families at this difficult time.”

The lorry driver involved in the crash, who comes from Essex, was unhurt.

Anyone who witnessed the crash and has not yet spoken to police is asked to telephone the serious collision investigation unit 01622 798538.