The family of a soldier from the Shropshire border who died in a car accident just days after passing out of Army training has paid tribute to a girl who made them “the proudest people in the world”.

In a statement released through Cheshire Police, the family of Lucinda Owen, 17, said she was a “truly shining light” who lived her life to the full.

Miss Owen, a gunner with the Royal Artillery, was found dead in her Vauxhall Corsa in a field off Tilston Road, Malpas, early on Tuesday morning.

One of her former classmates at the Bishop Heber High School in Malpas, 17-year-old Josh Campbell Swift died while walking across the A41 near Broxton days earlier.

Miss Owen had played football and hockey for Whitchurch and at county level for Cheshire.

Police were alerted to Miss Owen’s car having left the road at 7.25am, and went to the scene to find her dead in the vehicle. It is believed the incident happened some hours before.

Today Miss Owen’s family, who live in the Malpas area, said her death was a “tragic loss”. She had been looking forward to a successful career in the armed forces.

The family’s statement said: “She represented Cheshire and Whitchurch for hockey and football. Lu passed out of Army training to start a career in the Royal Artillery last Friday and made us the proudest people in the world. The world has lost a truly shining light, who loved people and loved life.”

The family of Mr Swift, from Broxton, paid tribute to an “amazing guy” who was “greatly loved”.

David Curry, headteacher at Bishop Heber High School, paid tribute to both of the teenagers.

He said: “No words of mine can adequately express the utter devastation felt by the whole school community at the tragic loss of Josh and Lucinda. 

“Our deepest sympathies go to their families and friends – many of whom, of course, are part of the Heber family.”

A book of condolence has been opened at the school.

By Deborah Collins and Abigail Bates