The heartbroken parents of a Brentwood teenager who died in a car crash have told of their daughter's last poignant loving New Year's phone call made hours before she died.

Just half a day later they were engulfed in tragedy when 18-year-old Faye Andrews, whose smile would "light up the dullest of rooms" died in a horror accident.

Faye, who lived with her family in Westwood Avenue, was making her way home at lunchtime on New Years Day in torrential rain from south Benfleet after celebrating with friends when she was involved in a collision on the A128 near Stifford.

On Monday, speaking exclusively to the Brentwood Gazette, her devastated parents, Michael, 48, and Helen, 47, told of their heartwarming call from their beloved daughter while she was happily celebrating the arrival of 2003.

Helen said: "Faye called us at around 12.15am on New Years Day and said, 'I just called to wish you a really happy New Year mum and I really love you. See you tomorrow afternoon' - that was the last conversation I had with her.

"She also said she had text her brother Daniel and wished him a happy New Year.

"This will leave a hole in our hearts which will never be replaced. Faye was a free spirit. There was nothing dull or boring about her, she was so colourful and had a heart of gold and we will miss her so much"

Since the tragedy the family have been engulfed by floods of cards, flowers, letters and phone calls from Faye's friends, colleagues and other people who knew her.

A former pupil at the Ursuline Convent School, Brentwood, before leaving at 16 to join Ingatestone firm, Sanders Solicitors, where she worked as a solicitors' secretary, Faye had hopes of eventually training to be a legal executive.

Her former deputy head teacher, Sister Margaret Mary Hughes, also spoke of Faye's vitality and love for life.

She said: "She was a really open, friendly girl with a great zest for life that had to be lived to the full."

Faye was driving her Renault Clio alone along the A128 towards Brentwood when she was involved in a collision with a Ford Mondeo. She died at the scene.

The other driver, a 42-year-old man from Little Wakering near Southend, suffered only minor injuries. His wife and two children, who were passengers, were not injured.

Faye's funeral service will be held at Brentwood Cathedral at Ingrave Road on Saturday at 10.30am.

Police are appealing for witness to the accident which happened between 12.30 and 1.30pm. Information to Laindon Traffic Unit on 01268 541312.

Published Friday, January 10, 2003

Brought to you by the Brentwood Gazette