A woman whose husband and daughter died in a plane crash spoke today of her loss.

Peter Bevan, 43, his 11-year-old daughter Lauren and his brother Roger were killed soon after take-off on a weekend pleasure flight.

Sheila Bevan, who lived with the family in Billingshurst, said her daughter and husband loved spending time together.

Mrs Bevan, who is caring for her four-year-old daughter Leanne at home, said: "Peter and Lauren loved life and lived it to the full. They were not only father and daughter but also best friends."

Mr Bevan was a highly respected aircraft engineer who died during a day trip on a single-engine Piper Arrow at Lambourn Down, Berkshire, on Sunday.

Mrs Bevan said: "You could not help but be drawn to his energetic and enthusiastic nature. Peter was a loving husband, father and loyal friend to all who knew him."

Lauren started her secondary education in September at Weald School in Billingshurst, where a special assembly was held to break the news to Year 7 pupils.

Head teacher Peter May said: "Lauren Bevan was a lovely girl who had made a splendid start at secondary school. She was a talented and popular girl who will be sorely missed."

Post-mortem examinations were being carried out last night. The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating.