A LOVING uncle has paid tribute to a 22-year-old woman killed in an accident on a Suffolk road.

Rebecca Lefort

A LOVING uncle has paid tribute to a 22-year-old woman killed in an accident on a Suffolk road.

Abbie Pennell died on Monday morning after her Mitsubishi Warrior pick-up truck collided with a coach at a notorious junction on the B1113 at Great Blakenham, close to the A14.

A 43-year-old man from Eye was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released on bail to return to Bury St Edmunds police station on September 1.

Miss Pennell, who lived in Hadleigh with her boyfriend of six years, worked at Otley College as a course administrator for distance learning.

Her uncle, Derek Pennell, who is currently working as an electrician at an American military base in Iraq, said her family was distraught at her death.

The 56-year-old father of five added: “She was a wonderful, happy, smiling girl.

“She loved life. She loved her boyfriend and you never saw a better couple than those two.

“Eventually she wanted to settle down and have children.

“It is just a 100% shock. It is a tragedy.”

Meanwhile Philip Winfield, principal at Otley, said: “The college was in shock when we heard the news.

“Abbie was a very popular staff member and she will be sadly missed.

“We will be offering staff the opportunity of signing a book of remembrance in tribute to Abbie.

“Our thoughts and prayers are very much with her family at this time.”

The former Claydon High School pupil has been described by friends as a “wonderful person”.

Simon Hubert said: “Abbie was such a lovely girl. Words cannot begin to describe how badly she will be missed by so many people.

“There are no such words in existence that even come close to conveying to people who didn't know her what a wonderful person Abbie was.

“Her family will rightly be extremely proud of the person that she was. My deepest sympathies go out to her family and loved ones.”

Miss Pennell's cousin, Amanda Squirrell, of Ipswich, said: “I'm devastated.

“Abbie loved life. She was full of energy.”

Lisa Mulley added: “What an angel to be taken away from us. A true ray of sunshine.”

- Anyone who may have seen anything that could help the police inquiry should telephone 01473 613500.