HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to the teenager who lost her life after a crash in North Dorset on Monday.

Ellie Jackson, 16, was in a silver Volkswagen Polo being driven by a 20-year-old man from Blandford when the crash happened on the A30 Sherborne Causeway late on Monday night.

Ellie, from Shaftesbury, suffered serious head injuries and was taken to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol in a critical condition.

Despite bravely fighting for her life for two days, she died on Wednesday as a result of her injuries.

Her family is now being supported by police family liaison officers and there has been an outpouring of emotional tributes on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.

Ellie’s mum, Jemma Moodey, wrote that “despite a vigorous fight she has been regretfully taken by the angels”.

She thanked all who had sent their messages of love.

Later, she wrote: “I'm amazed and taken some comfort today in the amount of love, flowers, balloons, cards and messages so many of u have sent for my baby, I know now how truly loved she was and hopefully she’s up there looking down on us all. Thank you xxx.”

Heartbreakingly, Jemma later posted that she was supposed to have been getting married today.

Friends of Ellie also added their words.

Emily Walter said: “Rest in paradise to my beautiful angel, you weren’t just my best friend you were my sister. You knew me better than I knew myself, which I will treasure till I join you to party up there. Watch over us all as we pray for you and keep me safe and guide me my baby, I love you more than you'll ever know. Sleep tight.”

Mason Metcalfe wrote: “People always say this but Heaven has gained an angel.”

Ryan Lee Cundick added: “My love goes out to your family, I know we had our ups and downs but you don’t deserve this. Rest in peace and watch down on us all Ellie Jackson.”

Police continue to appeal for witnesses to the crash. Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident number 444:30.

The coroner at Bournemouth said that a date for an inquest opening had not yet been set.