The sister of Leighanne Charge - the teenager killed in a hit-and-run accident in Cranford - has told how she used to 'light up the room'.

Victoria Charge, for whom Leighanne was due to be a bridesmaid in October, told the Chronicle you couldn't hope to meet a more generous, caring person.

"Leighanne was my best friend, not just my sister, and I feel empty without her," said the 23-year-old PCSO. She loved going to the pub, especially the Moon Under Water, in Staines Road, Hounslow, and was always buying people drinks.

"As soon as she walked in everyone used to say the place just lit up. She had a really squeaky voice and when she had a drink it would go even higher. She was such a character, always trying to sort other people's problems out, and everyone got on with her.

"She was always being silly and was so full of life. I'd just got her the application form to become a PCSO and we used to joke that she would be the only officer wearing high heels.

"My parents and I would like to thank everyone for all their support, the flowers and the cards. They also want to thank the police because they've been so supportive."

Victoria added that she still couldn't bring herself to drive past the scene of the crash when visiting mum Karen, 48, a catering manager at Heston Community School; dad Robert, a 45-year-old HGV driver; and brother Sam, 12, a pupil at Isleworth & Syon School.

Leighanne was on the organ donor list and her heart has gone to a six-year-old girl. "She would be so pleased to know she's been able to save a little girl's life," said Victoria.

A Facebook group set up in Leighanne's memory, called Rest In Peace My Darling Angel, had already attracted more than 500 members on Thursday.

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Among the tributes was a message from Sam Clark, who wrote: "She was the light of everyone's life and is provin it by making the sun shine 4 us."

Flowers at the scene of the crash included a note from a friend called Aslam, describing her as 'a shining light that will never go out'.

Leighanne's funeral is due to take place next Friday at St Leonard's Church, Heston, though details have yet to be finalised. Floral tributes should be sent to Barnes & Hicks, 63a Heath Road, Hounslow, TW3 2NP by 4pm on Thursday. For more details call 020 8898 1965.

Vytautas Bartkevicius appeared at Feltham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday charged with a string of motoring offences, including causing death by dangerous driving.

The 20-year-old, of Martindale Road, Hounslow, was remanded to appear at Isleworth Crown Court in July.