Mourners gather for funeral of teenage crash victim

Dozens of mourners have gathered for the funeral of an 18-year-old woman who was killed in a car crash last month.

Esme Heaton-Biggs died in hospital after the car she was driving was involved in a collision with a white Mercedes on Bloxham Road, Banbury, on 3 October.

On Thursday, family, friends and members of the public gathered for a funeral service at St Mary's Church in the north Oxfordshire market town - with many wearing Esme's favourite colour, purple.

A tribute released by her family in the wake of her death described her as a "beautiful human being, on the inside and the outside".

"The world got suddenly dimmer as one of the brightest and most unique lights left us too soon," they said.

As her coffin was taken into the church at the beginning of Thursday's ceremony, members of the public clapped. Some had also tied purple bows to their car doors.

A fundraiser set up in her memory in aid of the charity Dogs for Good has so far more than £16,000.

"The extraordinary generosity and kindness shown by the people of Banbury and the surrounding community has been incredible," the charity said in a statement.

"We are in touch with Esme's family and, with their wishes and guidance at the heart of everything, will take time to consider how best to honour Esme's memory.

"Sadly, we never had the opportunity to meet Esme, but we hope that the kindness and compassion shown by so many people will help create a lasting tribute to her."

Thames Valley Police previously said the crash between the 18-year-old's white Volkswagen Polo and a white Mercedes had taken place close to the junction of Springfield Avenue at about 21:20 BST on 3 October.

An inquest opening heard Esme's medical cause of death "remains under investigation". A full inquest is set to take place on 12 April 2027.

In October, Brian Mclaren was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving above the legal alcohol level in connection with the incident.

The 36-year-old, of Vincent Way, Banbury, is due to appear at Oxford Crown Court on Friday.

Police previously said a 24-year-old man who had also been arrested in connection with the incident remained on bail, while a 33-year-old woman had been released with no further action.