TRIBUTES have been paid to a "beautiful, caring girl" from Worcester who was killed in a car crash on the Pennines.

Rebecca Ward, 22, a former Pershore High School student, died alongside friend Philippa Bertram, 20, after the white Fiat 500 they were travelling in collided with a Mini Cooper on the A628 Woodhead Pass.

South Yorkshire Police said the crash happened as Storm Deirdre hit the country on Saturday December 15, sweeping over the high ground between South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.

The two women were studying at Nottingham Trent University.

Miss Ward's family said: “Becky was a beautiful girl both inside and out who enjoyed life to the full. She was in her final year at Nottingham Trent University.

“Becky will be greatly missed by her family, boyfriend and many friends.”

Former Pershore High School headteacher Clive Corbett also paid tribute to Miss Ward.

He said: "This is devastating news. As the former headteacher of Pershore High school, can I express my sincere condolences to the family on the tragic loss of Becky.

"She was a fine young lady who contributed a great deal to the life of the school.

"She will be sadly missed and her family and friends are in our thoughts at this most terrible of times."

There were also tributes left on the Worcester News Facebook page.

Heidi Lockwood said: "So very, very sad - Becky was a beautiful, caring, lovely girl who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time"

Michelle Phillips said: "I’m so shocked, Becky was a lovely young lady in the prime of her life.

"She will be greatly missed.

"Condolences to her family and friends.

"Rest in peace young beautiful lady."

Miss Bertram was from Doncaster and her family said: “Our precious daughter Philippa has been suddenly taken from us.

“She was our world and our joy and we were so proud of her, but our lives have been shattered by what has happened.”