THE heartbroken family of tragic road crash victim Catherine McHugh were today mourning the death of the fun-loving teenager who always had a smile for everyone.

Catherine, 18, of Stanley Street, Accrington, was killed on Sunday evening on a trip to the cinema with her boyfriend Anthony Burton, of Oswaldtwistle.

She was set to take A-level examinations at St Mary's College, Blackburn, this week and was enjoying a break from revision when tragedy struck.

The couple were in Haslingden Old Road, Oswaldtwistle, when the car overturned in a head-on collision and Catherine was killed instantly.

Anthony, 18, managed to struggle free and was taken to hospital suffering from whiplash and head injuries. The pair met at Mount Carmel RC High School, Accrington, had been together two years and their parents said they were very much in love.

Anthony, who left hospital early on Monday morning, was said to be inconsolable.

Catherine was the eldest daughter of Madeleine and Bernard McHugh and had three sisters, Rebecca, 17, Rachael, 15, and 11-year-old Charlotte.

She was taking A-levels in biology, chemistry and maths.

Madeleine said: "Catherine had been working hard for her exams and was hoping to study biology at Bangor University.

"She loved nature and animals and was a lovely, lively, kind girl."

Her aunt, Margaret Horan, added: "Catherine was always pleasant, very well-liked and had a smile for everyone."

Friends and relatives of the close-knit family have been rallying round offering their support.

Her former teachers from St Anne's and St Joseph's Primary School, Accrington, and Mount Carmel, as well as teachers from St Mary's College were among those visiting the family home to express their sympathy.

The funeral has yet to be arranged.

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