A YOUNG firefighters' association has paid tribute to a teenage girl killed in a road crash.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's Young Firefighters' Association in Ringwood said 16-year-old Jade Clark, who was a member of the association, was a “cheerful young lady” and was “highly regarded by her instructors”.

She was riding her red scooter on the A31 near Ringwood when she was involved in a fatal collision.

In a statement, the association said: “Jade was a much-loved and valued member of our Young Firefighters' Association at Ringwood.

“She was highly regarded by her instructors, both as a person and as a young firefighter. She displayed all the skills and courage to have gone on to become an excellent firefighter.“Jade was a cheerful young lady with huge determination, dedication and confidence. To her friends and fellow cadets she was always there to give help and advice if she possibly could.

“Jade was also very family orientated and would speak about her brothers and sisters all the time. “Jade will be remembered as being cheerful, cheeky, sometimes stubborn, but above all one of the gang. We are all going to miss her very much.

“Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time and we have been in contact with them to offer our support.”