THE family of one of the Pershore teenagers killed in a car crash at Cropthorne last month have spoken of the support and kindness from townsfolk which carried them through the tragedy.

The family of 14-year-old Kirsty Goodes from Fulbert Road spoke about their sadness when they donated almost £400 to the County Air Ambulance appeal yesterday (Wednesday).

Kirsty's father Rob Goodes, who attended the presentation along with Kirsty's mum Debbie and sisters Gema, Stacey and Natalie, said they had been amazed by the sympathy of people since the accident.

"Town's people have been very supportive, we've had letters from total strangers, they've carried us through it," he said.

After the accident on July 3, the scene alongside the A44 just outside Cropthorne was covered with floral tributes while others lit candles at the abbey in memory of Kirsty and her boyfriend Warren Taylor, aged 18 of Furlongs Road who also died in the crash.

Kirsty's sister Gema said: "Kirsty and Warren were a loving couple and they got on with everyone and never left us out."

Mrs Goodes said her daughter idolised Warren, a regular visitor to their home and they were all deeply saddened by his death.

Presenting the cheque to the crew of the Strensham air ambulance, Mrs Goodes said although it was too late for her daughter, their loss had shown the family the value of the service and they wanted to help it continue saving others injured in road accidents.

The money was raised at Kirsty's funeral, at Pershore Abbey on July 12 and was attended by about 450 people including many of her school friends and teachers.

Staff at Evesham's Dawn Foods, where Kirsty's grandmother works, donated £100.

The family is now looking for a sponsor or designer to help them make up a prize-winning evening dress Kirsty designed during her last term at Pershore High School so they can auction it off in aid of the air ambulance.

Mrs Goodes said Kirsty had planned to surprise her family by not telling them the dress had won a gold award until the end of the school year, but she died before term ended.

The family now hopes to attract a charitable fashion designer, who can bring the dress to life so they can sell it to the highest bidder.

Anyone wishing to donate to the air ambulance contact the appeals office at Burton Road, Dudley, DY1 3BB or on 01384 241133.