College tribute to hit-and-run victim

Students and staff at Faringdon Community College, where she was a Year 9 pupil, have been deeply saddened to learn of the teenager's death on Friday.

Jenny, who lived at Stanford Road, Faringdon was killed as she stepped off a bus around 3.30pm on the A417, at Kitmore.

She was hit by a blue Honda Civic, which did not stop at the scene, and was thrown into the path of a Mercedes van. She was airlifted to the Great Western Hospital but later died.

Her form tutor Linda Sutton, said: "Jenny was a central part of the tutor group. She was a popular girl and was liked by them all.

"She was a vivacious girl and we will miss her very much. We will never forget her."

Marilyn Tasker, year nine co-ordinator, said: "Jenny will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but especially by year nine students. She was always cheerful, friendly and chatty, and we all loved her."

Specialist counsellors from the Great Western Hospital, the school nurse, a local vicar and a number of teaching staff were on hand to support students on their return to school.

Headteacher David Wilson, said: "Faringdon Community College is a strong, close, supportive community and I am proud at how well it has coped in such difficult circumstances. The school plans to hold a simple, private, memorial service in the near future to allow all of us to say a fitting farewell."

Jenny loved art with a passion and the school has decided to create an annual art award in her memory.

The Honda Civic, which was travelling in the direction of Wantage, is believed to have been stolen from North Yorkshire and was later recovered from Stanford in the Vale.

The driver of the Mercedes van was not injured in the incident.

An inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Bhavani Vadde