MEMBERS of a grieving family say they have been overwhelmed by the flowers, bouquets and messages of condolence sent by Ryedale well-wishers following the loss of a beautiful young woman.

The Walkers say they have been inundated by kindness after the death of 21-year-old Samantha, from Roxby Garth, Thornton-le-Dale.

The bubbly young performing arts student died on Monday when her silver Citroen Saxo was in collision with another car on the A170 between Wilton and Thornton-le-Dale.

Her father, Mel Walker, said: "It hasn't stopped. Everyone's been bringing cards and flowers and phone calls from people I don't even know, but she knew. I'd just like to thank the public for their support - that's from all of us."

Samantha leaves her father, Mel, and, in Herefordshire, her mother Val, brothers Paul and Nigel, and sisters Lisa, Sharlene and Diane.

Samantha loved performing and had aspirations of being famous. Her family say she was a popular, friendly girl who had a huge circle of friends in Ryedale.

Sharlene said: "She was an amazing person. She was really bubbly. She couldn't stop singing and dancing - she was always moving around."

Lisa said: "She just put a smile on your face."

Samantha moved to live with her father when she was eight years old. She went to St Joseph's Primary School and Lady Lumley's School, both in Pickering, before becoming a student at Yorkshire Coast College, Scarborough.

Steve Mitchell, her form tutor in Year 11 at Lady Lumley's School was distressed by the news of her death. He said: "She was always very helpful, bubbly and full of life. I feel really sorry for the family at this time."

Sam had worked in Spain as a holiday rep and a singer and at The Grand Hotel, Scarborough. She worked at the Jonathan James shoe shop in the Brunswick Centre, Scarborough.

Her funeral is to be arranged.

Updated: 10:10 Friday, November 12, 2004