A former Norwich City College student who died at the weekend after a car crash has been described as a 'free spirit' by her devastated family.

Annabel Laws, 17, of Akrotiri Square, in Watton, had been to McDonald's restaurant near Swaffham with close friends before the car she was travelling in crashed at nearby Sporle at about 12.30am on Saturday.

Her mother Angela Calton, 42, said: 'She will be remembered for having a smile on her face, her laugh, always wearing her pyjamas and always being there for everyone. She would drop something and go round a friend's house if they needed her. She was free spirit and was very creative.'

Annabel was a back-seat passenger in the black Seat Arosa car, which it is believed clipped a verge, seemingly after skidding on ice, and hit a tree in a field beside the North Pickenham Road.

One of Annabel's friends, Lauren Eastoll was driving the car back to Watton, the front-seat passenger was Bradley Maund and the other back-seat passenger was Coral Gibbs.

Annabel suffered fatal injuries and her friends, aged between 17 and 18, who were also former Wayland Community High pupils, suffered minor injuries.

Another car, containing three more of their friends - who had also been to McDonald's - was behind them when the crash happened.

A police investigation into the crash was launched and a Norfolk road policing spokesman said the roads were 'treacherous' and 'icy', which is believed to have been a major contributory factor of the accident.

Mrs Calton said she felt devastated and added: 'I couldn't believe it. It hasn't sunk in. I sometimes think she (Annabel) is at her friend's house and will call to say she spent her bus money and needs to be picked up.'

Her family said she loved art, music, dancing and spending time with relatives. They added she wanted to become a tattooist.

After leaving Wayland Community High School, in Watton, last year Annabel completed a year-long art and design diploma at city college.

Annabel had completed an interview at Knit Wits textile shop, in Dereham, on Tuesday for an apprenticeship.

Her friends will be organising a concert in memory of the teenager but a funeral has not yet been organised.

Nearly 900 people have joined a tribute page to Annabel on the Facebook networking website.

Her family are also proud that some of the teenager's organs will be donated for transplant operations.

An inquest is due to be opened later this week and anyone with information about the crash should ring the Norfolk police non-emergency number 101 and ask for the serious collision investigation team based at Wymondham.