DEVASTATED friends and family of Melissa Turnham of Sandgate are comforting each other this week after her death on Saturday.

The much-loved 24-year-old, of Granville Road East, died instantly when she lost control of her blue Peugeot 306 as she was driving towards Dymchurch on the A259 at 12.35pm.

She hit a crash barrier and a red Ford Maverick travelling in the other direction on the bend near the Burmarsh junction between the Martello Tower and Queens Way. The male driver and female passenger in the other car, from Folkestone, were taken to hospital with chest and neck injuries.

Fire crews from Dymchurch, New Romney and Folkestone all attended and the road was closed until 5pm.

Miss Turnham, known as Mel, lived with her partner of nearly two years, Craig Harris, in the village and were planning to get engaged this year.

The pair were also motorbike enthusiasts, Miss Turnham owning her own machine, and they attended rallies and charity runs together.

Friend Brian Bailey said: "The tragic death of Melissa has left the village of Sandgate in deep shock and disbelief. Mel was a popular young lady with a lot of close friends."

She had worked at the fragrance manufacturer Quest International in Ashford for four years. Mike Cullen, head of compounding, said: "Her sparky personality gave a lift to the whole team. The team was like a family; she is irreplaceable."

Miss Turnham's father Paul is travelling to Shepway from his home in Holland to be near friends and relatives, including her aunt Linda.

On Tuesday, an inquest into Miss Turnham's death was opened and adjourned. A post mortem revealed she had suffered multiple injuries.

Anyone with information about the crash should contact PC Jerry Knox on 01303 850055.