Tributes have been paid to an Accrington and Rossendale College student who died in a car crash on her 17th birthday.

Estelle Thompson was a front seat passenger in a car travelling through Hapton when it collided with a stone wall.

Police said she suffered multiple injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her family said she was a ‘beautiful and popular girl’ and her death has shocked everyone who knew her.

Mum Elizabeth Marsh said: “I will always remember her for her unique dress sense, her sense of humour and the banter she had with her sister Sadie.

“She was a very popular girl and we didn’t realise how popular until now.

“It’s quite overwhelming. It came as a massive shock.

“I was at work and I got a call from my son telling me to get home quick and when I got back I saw the police outside.”

Estelle, of Lawrence Avenue, Burnley, studied at the Broad Oak Campus in Accrington and dreamed of a career in fashion and modelling.

Elizabeth, 38, said she enjoyed her time at the college and had made lots of friends.

She added: “I would like to thank everyone who has helped support us as it really means a lot. We will all miss her deeply.”

Accrington and Rossendale College said they were ‘deeply saddened’ to learn of her death.

A spokesperson said: “Estelle was a bright and bubbly teenage girl with a great future ahead of her.

“She studied Hair and Beauty at the College’s Seasons Salon. AccRoss would like to take this opportunity to pass on its condolences to Estelle’s family and friends.”

More than 1,500 friends and family have joined a Facebook tribute site in her memory.

Dozens of flowers and messages were left at the scene of the crash and a fundraising page has been set up to help the family with funeral costs, raising nearly £500 so far.

A petition has also been launched to improve safety on the road.

Elizabeth said: “I really do hope something good comes out of this and no other family has to go through what we have.”

The crash happened at around 5.40am on Sunday, July 20 when an 11 plate silver Ford Ka travelling along Manchester Road towards Padiham crashed just past the canal bridge.

Police said no other vehicles were involved.

A Home Office Post Mortem Examination will be carried out to establish the exact cause of death.

The driver, an 18-year-old man from Burnley, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed until November pending further enquiries.

Police have urged anyone with information to call 101 quoting log number 0420 of July 20.

Sgt Finn Quainton, of the Road Policing Unit, said: “This is a tragic incident and my thoughts are with Estelle’s family and friends.”