Moving tributes were made at the funeral of a young car crash victim "who loved life from the moment she was born".

Sarah Johnston, 20, died after the car she was driving, which was full of her friends, collided with the central reservation in Essex Yeomanry Way near the Army and Navy flyover in Chelmsford on Sunday, July 20.

Many young people joined with her family to attend her funeral, which took place at Chelmsford Crematorium yesterda

The packed chapel heard a tribute written by her mother Barbara and read by Reverend Simon Garwood, curate at All Saints' Church. He officiated at the funeral of Sarah's father Mick, who died two years ago.

He told those attending she had "aura, charisma and a precious gift of working with children".

"She was honest and direct and always told the truth. She had love and respect for her family."

Mr Garwood said she also loved going out to clubs and was "the queen of text messaging".

Her brother Darren had also compiled a visual tribute to his sister, which was also shown to the congregation.

A Winnie the Pooh bear had been placed on top of the funeral car.

Published Friday, August 1, 2003

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