TRIBUTES have been paid to a teenager who died in a crash the day after she qualified as a dog groomer.

Animal lover Abbie Krinks died when her Ford Sport Ka was in collision with a van on the A133, near Heckfords Road, Great Bentley.

The former Elmstead County Primary and Colne Community School pupil worked at Snoopies Grooming Salon, in Little Bentley.

She had been on day release at Otley College, in Suffolk, and passed her exams the day before she died.

The 18-year-old was also a keen horse rider and her family said she had a very active social life.

She lived in Thorrington with dad Grenville, mum Sharon and her sister Jenny, 20.

In a statement, they said: “Abbie – we love you so, so much. We are all so proud of what you have achieved in your life. You will be missed beyond belief.”

Abbie had posted a message on her Facebook page on Wednesday afternoon, saying: “No more college”.

Writing on the social networking website, Mr Krinks wrote: “To my friends, neighbours and people who know me. If you see me in the near or far future, you don’t have to look away, or cross the street or look down.

“I know the words are hard to find, but it is OK to talk to me about Abbie. Facebook is, and always will be, a happy place for me, as it is for our daughter Jennifer and it was for Abbie. It will remain a happy place. Jennifer spent time with her and Abbie’s fabulous friends yesterday.

“She came home uplifted by you all. You’re truly are beautiful people.”

The fatal collision happened on Thursday at about 8.50am.

Abbie was declared dead at the scene.

Anyone who saw the collision can call Stanway road policing unit on 0300 3334444.