TRIBUTES have poured in for a talented showjumper who died in a head-on car crash.

Ella Popely, who had represented her country and had been tipped for future success, was described yesterday as a bubbly ray on sunshine who loved life.

The 18-year-old, from Bolney, died when her Fiat 500 collided with an Audi in Surrey on Tuesday morning.

It is thought she was returning home from her boyfriend’s house near Dorking.

Yesterday he posted on his Facebook a black and white photo of the couple at a funfair, with the message: “You will forever be in my heart – I love you.”

Ella was the daughter of Horse Of The Year Show-winning showjumper John Popely and was expected to follow in his footsteps.

She had already represented Great Britain and had recently been part of the prestigious Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) group.

Iain Graham of British Showjumping said: “I speak for myself, the non-executive board and the entire association when I say that words are unable to convey the sadness we feel in the loss of Ella.

“An extremely bright, enthusiastic and personable young woman, she will be sorely missed by many.”

The teenager had spent much of her young life at Burgess Hill School for Girls where she completed her GCSEs in 2015.

Describing her death as a tragic and devastating, headteacher Kathryn Bell, said: “One of my nursery staff summed Ella up by saying that when Ella started in the nursery, for two years she carried around a bubbly little blonde ray of sunshine.

“She was always an energetic and lively young lady who enjoyed life to the full.

“She was well known to the whole community for not only her successes but also, most importantly, she was appreciated and much-loved for her down to earth, honest and open approach to life.

“She was very well grounded, was caring of others, had a very positive outlook on life and was renowned for making everyone laugh.”

Tributes were also paid from around the world of showjumping.

In a post on their Facebook page, the Hickstead All England Jumping Course, said: “Ella grew up close to Hickstead and was a regular competitor at all our shows.

“She was an integral part of the extended Hickstead and Bunn Family. Her smile and humour were infectious.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to all her family and friends at this very sad time. RIP Ella.”

Team GB showjumper Carian Scudamore added: “Life really isn’t fair, my thoughts are with Ella Popely family. She was an amazing talented young girl who will be greatly missed. Heaven gained a massive star tonight. Shine bright Ella. RIP .”

Friend Jess Dimmock said: “Life is can be so cruel sometimes, taken far too young. Heaven has gained another angel.”

Ella leaves behind her father John, mother Lea and brother Jack.