Mourners gather to say farewell to Jade Clark

The 16-year-old's funeral is being held at Bournemouth Crematorium on Friday afternoon.

Earlier in the day news broke that police arrested a man in Kent and seized a vehicle after the driver of a Volvo XC90 fled the scene of the A31 following the horrific collision last month.

Jade was a member of the Young Firefighters Association at Ringwood and instructors from the association were expected to carry the youngster's coffin into the service.

Other members of Hampshire Fire and Rescue service were also planning to attend the service.

Members of Ringwood YFA lined up outside the crematorium ready for the arrival of the funeral cortège.

Mourners, wearing black with pink, were awaiting its arrival.

Jade died after her red scooter was in collision with several other vehicles on the A31 on Sunday February 24.

Outside the service, 15-year-old Bethany Luther, carrying pink flowers for Jade, said:" I remember going to Monkey World with her and she was sitting in the car singing and dancing in the car to the radio. She was so bubbly and lively."

Christina Luther, the best friend of Jade's mum, said:" Jade used to stay with us, she was a lovely girl, we just hope for closure for the family."

A statement from Hampshire Fire and REscue, said: "Jade had two favourite places - first was home with her family and the second was Ringwood fire station with her fellow Young Firefighters.

"Jade was a family girl who loved her family a lot and would always talk about them. 

"Jade joined Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's Young Firefighters Association three-and-a-half years ago and she was proud to be a Young Firefighter.

"What can we say about Jade? When she came on her first night we immediately thought "Hello, this one could be trouble!"

"How wrong were we. She had a brilliant sense of humour and was bubbly and outgoing.

"Jade faced many challenges. Throughout the time she was with us and when the going got tough, we tried to encourage her.

"She would come out with "Shut up" in only the way that Jade could say it but she would always get things done.

"Whatever was going on the station, Jade would be involved - from car washes to presentation evenings and raising money for charity. She was totally committed.

"When she first started she was a bit 'girly girl' and hated getting her face and hair wet. But over time she gave up caring after realising there was no avoiding water as a Young Firefighter.

"To her fellow colleagues she was not only a good team player but a friend who was always happy to put her point across …. whether it was wanted or not!

"Jade will be sadly missed by colleagues and friends. We will always miss Jade and her brightly coloured hair but she will be always with us in spirit"