The mother of a talented young jockey who died in a car crash at the weekend has said her beautiful daughter is "simply irreplaceable".

Charlotte Lajoie, 17, who lived in St Leonards Road, Epsom, was killed when two cars collided on the A24 in Capel, a village between Dorking and Horsham, at 10pm on Sunday.

She was a passenger in a Seat Ibiza which crashed with a Ford Fiesta.

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Charlotte had just finished an introductory course at the elite British Racing School, in Newmarket, and had been part of the Epsom racehorse training community all her life.

Her mother Simone Lajoie said: "Charlotte was a beautiful girl, a natural horsewoman and had a great sense of humour.

"She had a wide circle of friends and is simply irreplaceable."

A statement released by the Lajoie family added: "Simone’s thoughts and prayers are with her daughter and she continues to support all the others involved in the accident and their families and friends.

"Simone and her family would like to thank everyone for their support and messages of sympathy.

"Given the suddenness and the tragic circumstances of the accident, Simone would appreciate privacy whilst she comes to terms with her terrible loss."

A candle and flowers have been placed outside the family’s front door, while tributes to the teenager have also been left at the scene of the crash.

Simon Dow, who runs the Clear Height Stables, in Derby Stables Road, Epsom, where Simone Lajoie worked for more than a decade, told the Epsom Guardian: "We have known each other since Charlotte was born, her and Simone are very much a part of our lives.

"It’s a complete tragedy.

"Charlotte had just completed the introductory course at the British Racing School, which is obligatory. She had come through that with good references.

"She wanted to be an apprentice jockey, that was her dream.

"She was a very determined young lady and had great natural talent.

"But she was also just such a special individual.

"She had an amazing sense of humour and so much energy.

"She only ever saw the good in people.

"Nobody deserves to go through this, least of all Simone. She had put so much into Charlotte, they were a real double act.

"The racing community in Epsom is very close-knit and we will continue to support Simone."

Of Charlotte’s mother, Mr Dow added: "She was a key figure to have as part of our team. She is one of those people who always looks after people."

The British Racing School said it was devastated to hear of Charlotte’s death.

The school said Charlotte had previously completed work experience with Epsom racehorse trainer Laura Mongan and that Mrs Mongan had taken Charlotte on as a full-time member of staff to complete an apprenticeship in racehorse care after the teenage finished her introductory course at the British Racing School earlier this month.

In a statement, the school said: "She had been interested in racing from a very young age and the first encounter the British Racing School staff had with Charlotte was when she was a little girl and kindly showed them around Simon Dow’s yard during Epsom Open Day."

Grant Harris, the school’s chief executive, added: "Charlotte was a bright, enthusiastic, model student.

"In the short time she was with us her riding improved beyond recognition and she had started working in her dream job - riding racehorses.

"This is an absolute tragedy.

"Our sympathies are with her family and the close-knit racing community in Epsom."

Before winning a place at the British Racing School, Charlotte attended the Priory School, in Dorking.

In a statement, the Priory School said everyone was "deeply saddened" at Charlotte’s death.

"We have many fond memories of Charlotte as a student during her five years at the Priory School," it said.

Phil Harrison, assistant headteacher and head of upper school, added: "Charlotte was a lovely student who was popular with both staff and students and always tried her best.

"Charlotte left in September last year but many of her friends continued in to the Priory sixth form and they are of course devastated by the news.

"The school’s chaplaincy team are supporting those students who were closest to Charlotte to help them through this difficult time.

"During our next full school assembly we will be taking time to remember Charlotte and our thoughts and prayers are with Charlotte’s family."

The Lajoie family said arrangements for Charlotte’s funeral will be announced after the weekend.