Tributes have been paid to a kind, hardworking teenager after she was killed in a car crash.

Casey Leigh Sowerby, 19, died on Tuesday following a crash on the A66 between Broughton Cross and Bridgefoot.

The Workington teenager was a mental health nursing student at the University of Cumbria in Carlisle.

When the news of her death broke, lectures were suspended for the day.

Dr Louise Nelson, head of department for health, nursing and professional practice at the University of Cumbria, said: "We're absolutely devastated about the tragic loss of Casey. She’d just started as a student nurse and was looking forward to a long and caring career as a mental health nurse.

"The staff and students, even in the short time they’d known her, had recognised she had the qualities, compassion and determination for this career. Our heartfelt sympathy go to her family and friends."

The university’s counselling service is offering support to students and staff.

Miss Sowerby was a former pupil of Workington's St Joseph school.

Jacky Kennedy, headteacher at St Joseph's, also paid tribute to Miss Sowerby.

She said: "Casey is remembered by staff as being a fantastic student and a delight to teach. She joined us in 2011 from St Gregory’s and was with us to Year 11 in 2016 in St Oswald’s tutor group with Mr Gabuguga as her head of year. She was very kind, hardworking and conscientious.

"Mr Gabuguga, remembers Casey as a wonderful student with a real commitment to school life and a very close friendship group. She had everything to look forward to."

Miss Kennedy added staff had gathered to pray for Miss Sowerby and her family and her friends yesterday morning.

She said: "Our thoughts are with everyone who knew Casey at this very sad and difficult time."

Miss Sowerby joined Cockermouth School's sixth form after leaving St Joseph's.

A spokesman for Cockermouth school said: "On behalf of Cockermouth School and our community, we would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of former Year 13 student, Casey Sowerby, who was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident this week.

"Casey joined our sixth form in September 2016 from St Joseph’s Catholic High School in Workington having achieved an excellent set of GCSE results. Her admirable work ethic continued in her A Level studies, and she worked hard to achieve the grades required to pursue her chosen career in nursing. Casey was respected by staff and her fellow students, particularly those within her close friendship group.

"Casey was a pleasant, well-liked student who will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with her family and we are supporting each other as a school and a community. We have made arrangements for students and staff to receive guidance and support at this very sad and difficult time."

Miss Sowerby was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which happened at around 8am on Tuesday.

She was driving a Citroen C3, which collided with a Citroen Berlingo Van.

A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving and later released under investigation.

Police clarified the man was being treated as a witness.

A spokesman for the force said: "As a result of early investigations and in response to some negative social media Cumbria police can confirm that the driver arrested at the scene of the fatal collision, involving the tragic death of Casey Sowerby, is being treated as a witness in this case."

Officers would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident. Phone 101 for Sergeant Callum Radzan or email 101@cumbria.police.uk.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.