Rebecca Canning's relatives receive donations

The family of a former Telford girl who died in a car crash on the north Shropshire border have thanked people for their messages of support and fundraising efforts in the wake of the tragedy.

Rebecca Canning, of Loggerheads, near Market Drayton, died on the A51 between Nantwich and Woore on January 11.

The 18-year-old, who attended Wombridge Primary School in Telford then Madeley High School in Staffordshire, was travelling home from South Cheshire College in Crewe when the accident happened.

Her family said today they had been overwhelmed with people's offers of support for charities in honour of the late teenager.

Donations and condolences have come in from far flung friends in Indonesia, Thailand, the USA and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Early indications show hundreds of pounds have been raised for good causes, but the grand total could be well into the thousands of pounds.

John Canning, Rebecca's father, said: "We want to show our appreciation for all the kind words and charitable donations made in Rebecca's name.

"We will never know the full amount donated as a lot of my friends donated from abroad direct to the Midlands Air Ambulance and have not revealed their donation amount. We are waiting for B&Q to bring to us what was collected, between Rebecca's death and her funeral, at the store in Telford where she worked, from staff and customers.

"At present from the funeral alone it was £330. We are hoping to give lots of money to the Midlands Air Ambulance as a result.

"As bikers, both me and Rebecca's mum are aware of the vital work they do for bikers especially."