DISTRAUGHT friends of a “lively and bubbly” Ringwood teenager who died in a crash on the A31 on Sunday are planning to release balloons in her memory next Saturday.

Jade Clark, 16, was riding her red moped near the Fish Inn when the accident happened at 8.20pm.

Dorset Police have not confirmed how many vehicles were involved in the incident, although a lorry driver who passed the scene just after the accident said he counted nine vehicles.

The trainee hairdresser and young firefighter was pronounced dead at the scene.

A friend from Burley, Megan Billing, has set up a tribute page on facebook called In Memory of Jade Clark.

She told the Journal: “She was a well known girl. Everyone got along with her really well. She never upset anyone. And always made sure others were happy.

“She brought so many smiles to everyone.”

Chris Edwards, headteacher at Ringwood School, said Jade left the school in July 2012 to follow her love of hairdressing by starting a college course.

“She had a lively, bubbly personality and was always full of life,” Miss Edwards said.

“She will be remembered as someone who had a huge heart, always willing to help others – a really positive force for good.

“Jade was always grateful for everything life had to offer.

“She wanted to improve herself, and refused to let things hold her back.

“She dropped in to see us on a regular basis to let us know how she was getting on, and to thank people for their help and support.

“It was a real joy to see the progress she had made as an independent, confident young woman enjoying life.

“Our thoughts and best wishes go to her family and friends.”

Jade was also a much-loved member of the Young Firefighters Association in Ringwood.

In a statement, Hampshire Fire and Rescue service said: “She was highly regarded by her instructors and displayed all the skills and courage to have gone on to become an excellent firefighter.

“Jade was a cheerful young lady with huge determination, dedication and confidence.

“Jade was also very family orientated and would speak about her brothers and sisters all the time.

“Jade will be remembered as being cheerful, cheeky, sometimes stubborn, but above all one of the gang.

“We are all going to miss her very much.

“Our thoughts are with her family, and we have been in contact with them to offer our support.”

Jade’s devastated father William Herald said: “Jade was always a very happy child – cheeky.

“She was a black belt in karate and had lots of friends. She will be missed.

“She would have been 17 years old in June. She never wanted for anything.

“She was just always happy and content with what she had. Absolutely beautiful.

“It’s such a cruel, cruel world.”

Jade’s friends are planning to release pink and white helium balloons from Carvers on Saturday, March 9 at 6pm.