Staff and pupils from Congleton High School will pay their respects to "a valued member of the school community" tomorrow (Friday) when the funeral cortege for Georgia Ogden passes by.

Georgia sadly passed away after the car she was travelling in crashed into an HGV on the A34 in Astbury in the early hours of 25th June.

Two other school friends, with her in the Suzuki Swift, girls aged 17 and 18, suffered serious injuries. A lorry driver was uninjured.

Her grieving family and friends are preparing for her funeral tomorrow (Friday 17th July), which will take place in Northwich.

The funeral cortege will pass by Congleton High School at approximately 12:10pm for anyone linked to the school community who would like to say goodbye to Georgia. Staff, students and any parents and carers wanting to pay their respects will stand along Box Lane and Birch Road to ensure that social distancing can be respected.

Paying tribute to the much-loved Congleton High School Year 13 student, head of sixth form Julie Boulton said: "We are heartbroken that we recently lost a valued member of our school community in a tragic road traffic incident.

"Georgia Ogden was a beautiful person inside and out who had such a positive outlook on life. She always talked about the exciting events and opportunities that she had planned with her family and friends, who all loved and cherished her so dearly.

"Georgia was a vibrant young woman who loved musical theatre. She had a big personality and a truly infectious laugh. Georgia enjoyed acting and could entertain the room with her accents and characters.

"She was heavily involved in theatre at the Daneside and she loved nothing more than performing a 10-minute version of whichever show she was currently in, playing all parts, singing and dancing through all the numbers. Georgia was a talented actress and in recent months had enjoyed the challenge of working on some quite serious issues."

Miss Boulton added: "She didn't find everything easy but pushed herself to succeed and develop, qualities that made her a special person. She was a very popular young lady who had a sunny outlook on life, eagerly awaiting the next chapter as her school years were coming to an end.

"The loss of Georgia is an unimaginable tragedy, which family, friends and the whole school community are still coming to terms with. Georgia will be missed for her ability to walk into a room and make everyone smile, with her kindness and bubbly personality."

Mr Jim Barlow, Headteacher at Congleton High School, added: "We have all been devastated by the terrible news about Georgia. Friday will be a particularly difficult day for everyone who knew Georgia or has been affected in any way by her passing. Staff will be available in school after the cortege has passed by for anyone at all who needs support or just wants to talk.

"We also want students to remember that if anyone needs help or support with this heart-breaking loss at any point before or after the funeral, they can contact the school and we will point them in the direction of appropriate support, as we have been doing since we first heard the tragic news.

"We have placed a Memory Book in the reception area of the main school for any students, parents or carers who want to share something in memory of Georgia; please feel free to come in to record your messages and memories.

"We are a strong close community at Congleton High School and, as such, will do all we can to support each other through this tragedy."

Mr Barlow and Georgia's form tutor, Miss Sam Drinkwater, will represent Congleton High School at Georgia's funeral.

Police are still appealing for information about the collision and would like to hear from anyone who has dashcam footage. Witnesses should call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting 738643.