THE PARENTS of a 14-year-old girl who was killed in a hit and run accident near Faringdon have described her death as a waste of a vibrant life.

Jennifer Koester was killed as she stepped off a bus on the A417 at Kitmore last Friday afternoon.

She was hit by a stolen Honda Civic, which did not stop at the scene, and she was thrown into the path of a Mercedes van.

In a statement issued through Thames Valley Police Glyn and Marie Koester, of Stanford Road, Faringdon, said: "Our daughter Jennifer was loved by everyone who knew her. What happened to her is such a waste of a young and vibrant life.

"Jennifer's love was art, she lived for it. She had already decided that she was going to be a successful interior designer.

"We would like to keep her name alive by creating an annual memorial art prize at her school, Faringdon Community College.

"Children at the school are also planning to have a memorial garden for Jenny. We are also asking for any donations from family and friends to be donated to the school."

Police are still searching for the driver of the blue Honda Civic, which had been stolen from Wensleydale, North Yorkshire and was later recovered from Stanford in the Vale, near Faringdon.

According to the Racing Post, a stranger called at the home at the home of jockey Jim Culloty, claiming to have run out of petrol and was given £10 to continue his journey.

But police are not linking the man to the accident and are continuing their inquiries into the crash.

If you have any information call Thames Valley Police on 01865 846000.