The family of a teenage girl who died after being hit by a car in Dover have paid tribute to their "bright, beautiful daughter" with a "sassy sense of humour and strong will".

Mya Lawrence, 13, was killed while crossing the A256 by Whitfield roundabout on Friday, October 15.

Today, her family said the Dover Christ Church Academy pupil will remain in their hearts "forever".

They said she had planned to go into the caring profession so she could help others and enjoyed sports.

They also remembered the way Mya would wear sunglasses on her head, whatever the weather.

The statement from the family reads in full: "The family of Mya Lawrence would like to thank all of Mya’s friends, family, school and the local community for all the love and support shown to them following the loss of our beloved daughter.

"Mya was our bright, beautiful daughter, blessed with a sassy sense of humour and a strong will to challenge the boundaries of what was acceptable for a young girl to do.

"She was a caring and compassionate girl who would stand up for and try to help others of all ages.

"She had planned to work within the caring profession as an adult, to fulfil this need to help others.

"She loved her sport and was easily recognisable by everyone by her sunglasses, worn on the top of her head, whatever the weather.

"We know that everyone who knew Mya shares our pain, so we ask for privacy for our family her friends and the local community to allow us time to grieve in private.

"Mya remains loved and in our hearts forever."

A Go Fund Me page was set up in memory of Mya following her death by her aunty Paula Rose Hopkins. More than £3,000 has been raised so far and will help family cover general costs, in addition to a possible memorial.

'She was a caring and compassionate girl who would stand up for and try to help others of all ages'

Tributes from supporters have also been left on the page.

Donating £20, John Line wrote: “Such an amazing, cheerful, beautiful, young lady who is and forever will be sorely missed. May you give to the angels what you gave to us on earth... smile, laughter, beauty inside and out. R.I.P.”

Nicola Cooper wrote: “My heart goes out to Mya’s family. She was at school with my son and I would see her nearly everyday walking home from school. Mya was always kind and always smiling. She will be deeply missed.”

Lisa McHugh wrote: “I saw Mya in the corridors, generally with a big smile on her face. I didn’t teach her but she always said hello and I am so sad we will not see her beauty grow.

“So sad for you and hope in time you can come to some peace.”

Last week, the principal of Dover Christ Church Academy Jamie MacLean described Mya as an “outstanding student” and a “vivacious young lady”.

The tragedy happened on the A256 at around 7.40pm on October 15 when she was struck by a blue Vauxhall Astra while attempting to cross the carriageway close to the Whitfield roundabout.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle involved stopped at the scene. No arrests have been made.

Witnesses should call 01622 798 538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk quoting SM/CF/116/21

Read more: All the latest news from Dover