TRIBUTES have been paid to a promising University of Hertfordshire law student killed in a three-car crash just weeks after passing her driving test. Nicola Saxton, 19, who was about to start her final year at the Hatfield-based university's law faculty, wa

TRIBUTES have been paid to a promising University of Hertfordshire law student killed in a three-car crash just weeks after passing her driving test.

Nicola Saxton, 19, who was about to start her final year at the Hatfield-based university's law faculty, was involved in a collision with a lorry and black Skoda Fabia.

She was driving her grey Ford Ka back to her family home in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, from her part-time job in Clinton Cards shop in St Albans when the crash happened on the A414 near Ongar at around 7.40pm on Monday, August 17.

Nicola was the second eldest of five children and her ambition was to work in a top law firm.

Her mother Sue said: "Nicola was a keen West Ham supporter who often took her brother Claude to games.

"She had a boyfriend of two years, Jack Bailey, and was a popular girl with many friends, both at uni and home."

Geraldine Ward, deputy dean of students at the University of Hertfordshire, said: "The University is a close community of students and staff and the death of Nicola has saddened us all.

"Nicola was a conscientious and friendly student and will be missed by staff and students alike.

"The condolences of everyone at the university go out to Nicola's family."

Sam Walker, of Clinton Cards, said: "What happened was tragic.

"Nicola was the nicest person, always smiling and so friendly - a very genuine person who will be greatly missed by the whole Clinton's crew.

"She will always be our little Essex girl."

The driver of the lorry, a 54-year-old man from Luton, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released on bail until October 13.

The driver of the Skoda, a 64-year-old Chelmsford man, suffered minor injuries.