FRIENDS and relatives are today preparing to pay their final respects at the funeral of a young Suffolk woman who died in a road crash.

Simon Tomlinson

FRIENDS and relatives are today preparing to pay their final respects at the funeral of a young Suffolk woman who died in a road crash.

Abbie Pennell was killed when her pick-up truck was in collision with a coach in Great Blakenham earlier this month.

It is the second tragedy in five years to hit her family after the 22-year-old's uncle, electrician John Pennell, died while working in the village in November 2004.

Miss Pennell's funeral is due to be held at Ipswich Crematorium at 2pm today.

Following her death at a notorious junction on the B1113 on August 3, her family said they remembered a person who was “full of energy” and could “light up a room”.

Amanda's sister Lynsey Pennell said: “Abbie was the most amazing person you could ever meet. Heaven has gained a real angel.”

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

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

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

Philip Winfield, principal at Otley, said at the time of the tragedy: “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.”

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

Anyone who may have seen anything that could help the police inquiry should call Suffolk police on 01473 613500.