A teacher spoke today of her shock and sadness at the death of a gifted drama student who was killed in a horror road smash.

Margaret Cooper, of Westcliff High School for Girls, said pupils and teachers were united in grief for Danielle Sutherland - the girl whose personality lit up the room.

The 16-year-old was travelling in the front passenger seat of the Ford Fiesta XR2 when it veered off the Colchester-bound carriageway of the A12 at Witham and hit a lamppost. Police said it was raining at the time of the accident.

Mrs Cooper said: "Danni was a lovely girl - a sensitive, caring person who was kind to others and gave total commitment to any project in which she was involved."

Danielle, from Leigham Court Drive, Leigh, was dedicated to the performing arts and dreamed of a career on the stage.

She had played parts in Oliver Twist at school and was due to have starred in Bugsy Malone at the New Empire Theatre, Southend.

Mrs Cooper added: "Danni certainly had the talent and drive, but she was never conceited, never pushy and was a generous, team-oriented performer.

"Last year, she did her work experience at Eastwood School's drama department and she loved every minute.

"Danni could not only act, she could sing beautifully as she proved most recently during the school's charity week."

Students at the Westcliff grammar school have been in mourning since hearing the news of Danni's death.

A special assembly was held yesterday to celebrate the life of the talented youngster. Mrs Cooper said: "On a personal level, I know we will all remember Danni's bright smile and her gurgling laugh. Our great loss is heaven's gain. We remember her with love."

Car driver Scott Hayles, 18, of Church Road, Tiptree and back seat passenger Robert Cornell, 18, from Layer Breton, near Colchester, were yesterday said to be in a stable condition in Colchester Hospital.

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses to the accident, which happened at about 5.30pm on Saturday. Anyone with information should contact Chelmsford traffic police on 01245 452910.

Bright smile - Danielle Sutherland

(Right) Wreck - the Ford XR2 in which Danni died

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.