THE family of a 17-year-old schoolgirl who died in a crash on a busy Dorset road have told what a privilege it was to have her in their lives.

Jo Malcolm, a pupil at Parkstone Grammar School, was killed when her car collided with a tree on the A35 near the Bloxworth turning.

Her brother Daniel, 23, paid tribute last night on behalf of her family.

He said: "I would just like to say that my dad has lost his princess, my mum has lost her best friend and I have lost my wonderful sister. However, we all feel privileged to have had this beautiful young lady in our lives. We will love and remember her forever.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for their kind words and support at this very difficult time."

Tributes from others who knew Jo have also been flooding in.

Jo had a love for horses, and spent hours riding and working at Studland Riding Stables.

Stable owners Stuart Spreadborough and wife Helen said: "Jo was fantastic to have working at the stables. She was always reliable and hard-working, and her bubbly, happy character brightened the day.

"She will be greatly missed by her friends at the yard, riders who she looked after and the horses she loved so much."

Friends inundated internet websites with moving tributes.

Among these is one that simply says: "Thank you for all the good times. I feel blessed to have known you," signed Lou Lou.

Another said: "Love you forever Joannabelle. Gonna miss you so much, words can't describe it. All my love, forever and always, Queen of the World (aka Amandabelle)."

Jo was driving alone on the A35 on Tuesday evening, when her Citroen hit a tree at the Bloxworth turning.

An inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday and police are still anxious to speak to any witnesses.

Call 01202 222222.