Family's tribute to 'beautiful' Natasha Jones

A Shropshire teenager who died in a car accident on a county road has been described as a "stunningly beautiful" woman who could "light up a room" with her smile.

Natasha Elizabeth Jones, 19, of Dahn Drive, in Ludlow, dreamed of a career in sport.

She was a member of Church Stretton School's girls' football team which lifted the national under 13s title at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge ground in 2004.

Natasha, who was in her second year at Ludlow College, died when the red Fiesta she was travelling in collided with a grey Ford Focus on the B4385 between Brockton and Lower Down, near Lydbury North, at about 3.15pm on Friday.

Her sister Becky, 20, who was driving the Fiesta, is being treated in the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for a broken pelvis.

Members of Natasha's family today paid tribute to her, describing her as a "little fireball" whose "flame will never go out".

Michelle Holland, Natasha's mother, said: "Tashy was a stunningly beautiful young woman who was meticulous and particular and very conscientious. She was very loyal to those who held a special place in her heart.

"Tashy could and would light up a room in an instant with her big beautiful smile and the twinkle in her eyes.

"There are no words that can express just how much our little Tashy is loved and just how much she will be missed. Tashy was a little fireball and her flame will never go out."

Natasha's sister Becky said: "Tashy is our little star shining bright. Although she is not with us in body she will always be with us in our hearts and thoughts."

Relatives of Natasha's boyfriend Martyn Ziemann, of Bishop's Castle, described Natasha as a "lovely girl" and said they were devastated at the news.

Edith Ziemann, Martyn's grandmother, who lives in Corporation Street in Bishop's Castle, said: "Martyn is in a very bad way after what has happened. He is beside himself and he is staying with his mum for a few days. Natasha was a lovely girl."

Police have renewed appeals to witnesses to the incident to step forward.

Constable Grant Court, of West Mercia Police, said: "This was a tragic incident in which one person lost her life and I would urge anyone to come forward who may have seen it."

Anyone with information is urged to call Shrewsbury police station on 0300 333 3000.

Funeral details are yet to be announced. A post mortem was held on Monday and an inquest is expected to be opened this week.

By Peter Kitchen