STAFF at a Lowestoft school have paid moving tributes to two popular teenagers who died in a car crash near Beccles.

Sam Jaggard and Kathryn Rivett, both 18, suffered fatal injuries in the collision on the A143-A146 Norwich road at Gillingham on Tuesday night. Their friend Georgia Puttock, also 18, was injured in the crash and remains in a “critical but stable” condition at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

The three former students of Kirkley High School – now East Point Academy – were driving towards Lowestoft at about 6.30pm when their red Vauxhall Corsa was in collision with a black Mercedes going in the opposite direction.

Kathryn, a front seat passenger, and Sam, who was in the back seat, both died from their injuries, while Georgia, who was driving the Corsa, suffered serious injuries.

Yesterday John Shanahan, vice-principal at East Point Academy, said the school was shocked and saddened by the “tragic loss” of Sam and Kathryn and by news that Georgia had been badly injured.

He said they had all attended Kirkley High from September 2007 until July 2010.

“Kathryn was an outstanding student who was a high achiever at Kirkley. Her English and poetry was particularly strong and she was also very creative and successful in art. She was well liked by pupils and staff,” he said.

“Sam was a student who was really engaged in the life of the school. Involved in sport, particularly cricket where he was captain. Sam also represented the school at local business lunches and was often involved in the interviewing for new teachers.

“Sam was also well liked by staff and pupils. They will be sadly missed by the whole community and our thoughts and prayers are very much with their families and friends.”

Sam had football trials with Norwich City FC when he was younger, and was also a very talented all-round cricketer who played in Lowestoft Town’s youth sides – being nominated for county age group trials.

Witnesses to the crash should call Norfolk police on 101.