The mother of a grammar school pupil killed when a huge tree toppled on to her caravan as she slept has spoken of her sense of loss.
Tess Peirce said her family was “absolutely devastated” at the death of Bethany Freeman, 17.
Described by her school as an “outstanding sportswoman”, she was crushed when a 30ft (9m) tree fell down amid high winds in Lydens Lane in Hever, near Edenbridge, Kent.
It came as thousands of home owners were set to face another night without power, as engineers were drafted in to help reconnect the worst affected areas.
In a statement issued through Kent Police, Ms Peirce said: “We are all absolutely devastated at the loss of my daughter. I would like to thank the emergency services for their tremendous efforts in attempting to save her.”
Bethany was a “universally respected” sixth-form pupil at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School who “had everything to look forward to”, the school’s website said.
Meanwhile, friends of a 14-year-old boy feared dead after being swept out to sea amid ferocious winds have held an emotional vigil on the beach where he was last seen alive.
Up to 50 youngsters gathered at West Beach in Newhaven, East Sussex, two days after Dylan Alkins vanished while playing in the surf. Balloons with hand-written messages on them were released into the sky and flowers were thrown into the sea.