Tributes paid to teenage driver

Vanessa Knight (17) was killed when she was driving along the northbound carriageway of the A33 Swallowfield bypass just south of Reading. Vanessa's friends have left bouquets with messages from their hearts at the Arena swimming pool on the Bognor Regis Community College campus where she trained with Bognor Regis Swimming Club.

Claire Foweracre says: "May you rest in peace, for you will be forever in our hearts and always in our memories."

Josh Todd's tribute was equally heartfelt: "You were a good person who brought smiles to so many people's faces."

Sam Webb's bouquet was accompanied with the message: "You will always be in my heart. I'll see you in heaven. Love you always."

Vanessa, who lived in Aldwick with her family, had been a committed member of the club for nine years.

She swam up to district level in relay events and competed in all club competitions. Chief coach Chris Adams said: "Vanessa was a much loved and appreciated friend and club member.

"She was the club captain for two years and ever helpful and cheerful to all other members.

"She joined three overseas training trips including those to St Malo and Callella in Spain."

Vanessa's former tutor at Bognor Regis Community College, Rebecca Gardiner, also paid tribute to her.

"Vanessa was a popular and well-liked student at the college who enjoyed school life," she said.

"She was a caring and supportive member of her class who saw a positive side to everybody.

"Vanessa had a reliable and happy disposition and was always prepared to take up a challenge.

"Staff and students who knew her at the college were shocked to hear of her death. Her sunny nature and gifts will be greatly missed and our heartfelt condolences go out to her family."

The fatal accident occurred when the silver Renault Clio being driven by Vanessa left the road and crashed into a tree at 8.45am on Sunday. Vanessa was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two slightly older friends with her, also from the Bognor Regis area, suffered minor injuries in the incident. They were taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading for treatment.

The northbound section of the A33 dual carriageway was closed while the emergency services were at the scene. Accident investigators from Thames Valley Police are considering if the accident could have been caused by black ice.

A police spokeswoman said: "Road conditions were very icy on Sunday. We are looking into the possibility that black ice may have been involved in this incident. At this stage, it appears no other vehicle was involved."

Sgt Sean Collins, of Thames Valley traffic police, appealed for witnesses. He said: "I am keen to speak to anyone who was travelling on the A33 at the time. I particularly need information about why the car left the road."