The family of a young Medway student killed in a road crash have paid tribute to her "bubbly personality, kind heart, beautiful smile and infectious laugh".

April George, who studied criminal justice at the University of Kent’s Chatham Maritime campus, died after a crash on the A2 at Moor Street, in Rainham.

The 19-year-old’s dad Steven was driving the Peugeot 206 when it collided with another car as they travelled home from visiting her grandparents on Wednesday.

Former school prefect April, from Sittingbourne, died in hospital in the early hours of Thursday surrounded by her family.

Now her family have released a tribute to April – known affectionately as Ape or A.

A statement said: "April was 19-years-old and although sadly she only had a short life it was a happy and fulfilled one.

"April went to a local primary school, followed by Fulston Manor secondary school where she was an A* student.

"April brought sunshine to every day with her bubbly personality, kind heart, beautiful smile and infectious laugh. She was an extremely popular and talented girl. April made friends with everybody she met and was an absolute joy to be around.

"Following school April worked as a receptionist at Sheerness Dental Surgery before recently enrolling at Kent University to study criminal law. This was a very proud moment for April and her family.

"April was a loved and cherished daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and most importantly, the best friend anybody could ever wish for. She will always be in our hearts, missed but never forgotten."

An inquest into the death of April, from Lower Halstow, was opened and adjourned today. Her cause of death was given as multiple injuries.

The car in which she was a passenger collided with a Citreon Picasso travelling in the other direction near Seymour Road at about 8pm.

Mr George suffered a fractured pelvis and bleeding in his spleen. He is understood to be recovering in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The driver of the Picasso suffered a broken wrist, toe and a deep cut to her knee cap.

The driver of a third car, 29-year-old Mateusz Makiewicz, has been charged with causing death by careless driving.

The Polish national, of Canterbury Road, Sittingbourne, wept in the dock before Medway magistrates on Saturday and was remanded in custody. He his due to appear at the same court on Friday.