A YOUNG Malvern student was killed in a road accident on Link Top on Friday night.

Joanne Woodward, 22, of Madres-field Road, was travelling in the front passenger seat of a silver Renault Clio when it left the road and was in collision with a tree.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Firefighters used cutting gear to free the female driver, who was rushed to Worcester Royal Hospital by ambulance. Her condition was later described as "comfortable".

The car had been heading along Worcester Road towards Malvern Link when the accident occurred at around 10pm. No other vehicle is thought to have been involved.

The car came to rest on Link Common and the road was closed for four hours while firefighters from Worcester and Malvern worked to free the driver. Kim Stain, of West Mercia police, said the force is appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information should contact them on 01905 723888.

An inquest into Ms Woodward's death was opened and adjourned for three months by Worcester coroner Victor Round on Monday.

The funeral will be held at St Mary's Church, Longdon, on Tuesday, September 17 at 2.30pm.