Tributes for 'special daughter'

Sarah loved wildlife and snorkelling, her family said

The family of a student killed when she was hit by a coach as she cycled to school in Oxfordshire has paid tribute to their "special daughter".

Sarah Waterhouse, 17, was riding her bike across Colwell Drive in Abingdon when she was hit by a bus carrying about 30 pupils from Abingdon School.

Flowers have been laid at the scene where The Larkmead School student and Cambridge applicant died on Monday.

In a statement, her family said she had "endless enthusiasm".

It continued: "Sarah was a loving and caring girl who had endless enthusiasm for everything she did in her own quiet way.

We desperately miss Sarah, but she will always be with us Family statement

"Her insatiable desire to try out new things, and vibrancy of life led her to having many and diverse hobbies and interests."

The teenager played the trombone in the Wantage Silver Band and had recently started to look after younger students.

Her family added: "Sarah loved wildlife, enjoyed snorkelling and was a keen scuba diver who had recently undergone training to be an instructor.

"She was kind and happy and cared greatly for her family, looking after us and her brother James, and had friends of all ages.

"Her warmth and generosity made her special.

"We desperately miss Sarah, but she will always be with us."

The driver of the bus, operated by Tappins Coaches, was sent home after the incident suffering from shock and the pupils on the coach at the time of the collision have been offered counselling.

It appeared the girl was crossing the road on her bike when the accident happened.