The devastated family of a much-loved teenage girl who was tragically killed in a car crash are raising money celebrate her life.

It is understood Abbie Devanney was out celebrating her 18th birthday last Saturday night when the driver of the Ford Fiesta she was in lost control.

The car rolled onto its roof on Brooms Lane, a country road leading down from the Jolly Drovers at Leadgate, and Abbie was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Northern Echo: Flowers have been left on Brooms Lane near Leadgate where Abbie died Flowers have been left on Brooms Lane near Leadgate where Abbie died (Image: Gavin Havery)

Her death has had a profound impact on the close-knit Consett community she was part of and well-wishers have already raised over £5,000 in her memory.

The money will be used to pay for her funeral next month and for a memorial seat on the Derwent Walk.

The Go Fund Me page, which was set by Amy Devanney, said: “Our family would appreciate this support to help fund Abbie’s funeral and other memorials.

“We want this funeral to celebrate her life and be as unique as she was.

“She was so loved by many people.

“Let’s give her the send-off she deserves. We are hoping to place a bench on the Derwent Walk in her memory. Any donations will also go towards this.”

The incident happened at about 10pm on Saturday, October 21, and a 17-year-old arrested by police has been bailed pending further inquiries.

A boy and two girls – all teenagers – were seriously injured in the crash and were taken to hospital.

The Northern Echo: Abbie Devanney was a popular with friends Abbie Devanney was a popular with friends (Image: Contributor)Abbie, a devoted Newcastle United fan, is a former pupil of St Bede’s School in Lanchester.

In a statement the school said Abbie was ‘well-loved’ and continued to have many friendships with current students in the sixth form.

The said: “It has been with a real sense of shock and heartfelt sadness our school community has learnt one of our former students, Abbie Devanney, has tragically died, aged just 18.

“A number of our staff worked closely with Abbie and were incredibly proud of her.

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The school said: "Abbie was a very independent young woman - strong-willed and free-spirited.

“Students and staff alike admired Abbie for her confidence and tenacity - this strength of character within Abbie meant she was a fiercely loyal friend to others, able to form strong and trusting relationships.

“Abbie had a depth of personality that few others of her age possess, with a real warmth at her centre. We’re devastated she is no longer with us.

"As a school community we remain closely linked with Abbie’s family and will support them in any way we can.”

To donate to the fundraiser click here