The father of a young woman killed in a crash on the A66 has paid an emotional tribute to his "beautiful daughter" who was "like a beacon of light".

Casey Leigh Sowerby died on Tuesday following a collision between Broughton Cross and Bridgefoot. She was just 19.

On Facebook, her dad said losing her felt like a part of him had been ripped away.

He said: "Not only did she have the beautiful outside - she got that from her mam - she was also beautiful on the inside. She was kind, considerate and caring and very rarely had a bad word to say about anyone.

"As for her sense of humour and personality, well those that knew her will tell you. She was like a beacon of light. Any room she entered would glow; always a smile, always a laugh and she'd be at the centre of everything going on. She's the mischievous one. The one always looking to make you laugh, or be laughed at.

"The pain that myself, her mam, her brother, grandparents and the rest of our family feel cannot be described. The thought of never seeing her happy face again tears us apart.

"To think that we'll never see her become the successful woman she was destined to be, see her walk down the aisle and have the children which she loved is overpowering and I wouldn't wish these feelings on anyone.

"A part of me has been ripped away and I'm not sure I'll ever be the same man I was."

He said the many messages of support the family has received have been a comfort.

"The messages received have cemented the fact of what a wonderful human being she was and the love from you all is appreciated greatly. We haven't got the strength or energy to reply to you all, but please know your kind words have been appreciated," he added.

"Sleep tight my gorgeous little princess we'll always love you and you'll always be in our hearts. Until we meet again my little darling xxxxxx."

Officers investigating the collision are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The collision, which happened at shortly before 8am on Tuesday, involved a Citroen C3 car and a Citroen Berlingo van.

Miss Sowerby of Workington, who was driving the car, was pronounced dead at the scene. Specially-trained officers are working with her family.

Two people in the Citroen Berlingo suffered minor injuries. The driver of the van, a 31-year-old man, from Carlisle, is being treated as a witness.

The road was reopened at around 12.40pm.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who witnessed what took place and has yet to come forward. Contact police on 101 for PC Callum Radzan or email 101@cumbria.police.uk. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously.