Tributes to crash victim, 9

A shocked Shropshire community today paid tribute to nine-year-old girl who was killed in a car crash on a county road.Marcia Dale, from Rushbury, was killed in a smash on the B4371 Much Wenlock to Church Stretton Road, just before Hope Bowdler, at about 11.20am on Saturday.

She was in the car with her mother who remains in hospital in a “stable” condition. Tributes were today paid by members of the community for a little girl who “always had a ready smile”.

Marcia was a pupil at Rushbury Church of England Primary School. In a statement today, teachers said staff and pupils had been stunned by the news.

It said: “We are all deeply shocked and saddened by Marcia’s death, following a road traffic accident.

“Marcia was a happy, caring little girl who always had a ready smile. She helped children at playtimes and in class.

“She was extremely well thought of by other children, who found her very kind and generous and she had some very close friends.

“The last few days have been a time of great sadness and we have been touched by the mutual support, care and love within school and the local community.

“We held an assembly for Marcia yesterday morning, where the children were able to share their thoughts, feelings and memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marcia’s family at this very sad time.”

Mel McFarland, chairman of Rushbury Parish Council, today said everyone had been saddened by Marcia’s death.

He said: “A great cloud of shock and sadness has descended across the parishes here.

“Our thoughts go out to the family for their sad loss and I hope they find the strength they need. They are a very close family. ”

Her mother, in her late 30s was airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital where her condition was described as “stable”.

The crash involved a red Land Rover and a silver Citroen travelling in opposite directions. The police are appealing for witnesses to the accident to call them on 08457 444888.

By Catherine Roche