FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a much-loved woman who died after a car crash on the A40 near Ross-on-Wye last week.

Jade Marie Smith, died after a collision between Weston-Under-Penyard and Ross on March 19.

A family statement read: “Jade will be greatly missed by her mum Biz, dad Darren and younger sister Gemma.

“She will also be sorely missed by the rest of her close knit family who all live within arm’s reach of each other and are all supporting one another through this devastating time.”

Jade, a former Weston-under-Penyard School pupil had recently celebrated her 18th birthday.

The family said: “At the age of nine she was encouraged to play cricket for which she was picked out by her coach to play for the Hereford county cricket team, she continued her love of sports at John Kyrle High School, playing for the hockey and netball teams.

"In November last year Jade began working as a business administrator at GB Electrical & Building Services in Hereford where she wanted to achieve her ATT in accountancy, this was due to a love of numeracy from an early age.

"Jade enjoyed her job and often told her family how much she loved working.

"The family had a tradition of hay baling, this had been done by many generations of the family and Jade enjoyed the tradition of helping out with this annually.

"Jade will always be greatly missed and remembered for her cheeky laugh and infectious smile.

"The family would like to express their sincere thanks for the support and sympathy throughout this heart-breaking time."