The parents of model Claire Woodgate paid tribute to their daughter last night after her death at the weekend in a car accident.

They paid tribute to their "smiling and happy" daughter who "always had a kind word for everyone".

The reason the 24-year-old's Citroen Saxo swerved off the road and hit a flint wall remains a mystery.

Her grieving parents, speaking at their home in Middleton, Bognor, said they believed she may have been trying to avoid hitting an animal on the road.

Her parents have visited and placed flowers at the scene of the smash in Clay Pit Lane, Westhampnett, just south of Goodwood motor circuit, near Chichester.

Miss Woodgate, who modelled bridal gowns for magazines and was active in amateur dramatics, was on her way home from visiting friends when the accident happened just before 9pm on Saturday.

Paramedics were unable to resuscitate her and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police called at the family home in East Avenue, Middleton, Bognor, later the same evening to break the news.

Her mother Moyria said: "The doorbell went and we thought it must be Claire returning home and that she had forgotten her key."

Mrs Woodgate, her husband Terry and Claire's 91-year-old grandmother, Evelyn Woodgate, fought back tears as they told how they were "completely devastated" by the tragedy.

Her mother said: "She was lovely and was very health conscious, always looking after herself."

Her grandmother said: "Claire was always happy and smiling. She and I were very close - I was her confidante."

Miss Woodgate's father paid tribute to Sussex Police officers "for their kindness".

Mr Woodgate, a retired mathematician with the Ministry of Defence, said he hoped his daughter's tragic death would make young drivers realise they were not immortal.

He said: "I hope this makes them think when they drive."

Miss Woodgate, born and educated in Sandhurst, Berkshire, worked in customer services and was looking for employment in Sussex.

She moved with her family to Bognor late last year after her father retired.

Her brother Terry, a 29-year-old computer programmer, and his wife have a one-year-old daughter Tigerlilly.

Mrs Woodgate said: "Claire adored Tigerlilly and very much wanted a family of her own.

"She had boyfriends, had ambitions to travel and to do more acting.

"She was a very determined woman and had nerves of steel and she talked of wanting to teach drama.

"She was lovely."

Sussex Police expressed their condolences and appealed to anyone with information about the crash to telephone 0845 6070999, quoting Operation Rangle.