THE mother of a York student who was killed in a horrific car crash has paid tribute to her "honest, generous and loving" daughter.

Rochelle Ellen Laverack, 16, of Evelyn Crescent, Clifton, York was among four people killed in a head-on collision on the B1224 near Rufforth on Sunday evening.

The York College student was a rear seat passenger in a Ford Escort, which was travelling from York towards Rufforth, when it collided with a Peugeot 306 travelling in the opposite direction.

The Ford was driven by Jonathan Forster, 20, of Parklands Drive, Tadcaster and Matthew James Fox, 19, of Wilkinson Terrace, Stutton, Tadcaster, was a front seat passenger.

All three were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which happened at about 6pm.

Gordon Browne, 70, from Keighley, West Yorkshire, who was driving the Peugeot, also died at the scene. His wife Hilary, 63, a passenger in the Peugeot, was taken to York District Hospital suffering from serious injuries.

Rochelle's devastated family are now trying to come to terms with the tragedy.

Her mother Jane Laverack said Rochelle was training to be a painter and decorator and worked at Asda supermarket at the weekends.

She said: "Rochelle was loved by many people. She was honest, generous, loving to everyone.

"She will be missed by many."

She leaves three younger sisters, Georgina, Jade and Paige, and an older brother, Chris

* The road was closed for several hours while accident investigators examined the scene.

Police are still seeking more witnesses to the collision. Anyone with any information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 01609 783131.

Updated: 08:40 Tuesday, January 29, 2002