A YOUNG woman who made friends wherever she went has died in a car crash just weeks before she was planning to go on a round-the-world trip.

Polly Darvall’s heartbroken family are all struggling to come to terms with the tragedy in the early hours of Saturday a fortnight after her 22nd birthday.

Polly, who was bought up on the family farm at Maundown, near Wiveliscombe, on the edge of the Brendon Hills, died when her car hit a tree on the B3055 near Brockenhurst, in the New Forest.

She had been working virtually every day in a nearby hotel to self-finance her trip of a lifetime.

She spent 16 years at Taunton School, where she was awarded a sports scholarship, excelling in both the classroom and on the sports field, before studying geography and business at Northumbria University. She was awarded a first class honours degree this summer.

Her mother, Sarah Bosworth, said: “I have lost my beautiful daughter, whose sparkle and dazzling smile captivated everyone she knew.

“I truly loved her with all my heart.”

Simon Bosworth said: ‘’My daughter was always happy and smiling.

“I loved her helping me out on the farm, which she did throughout her childhood.

“This is just one of many precious memories I have of my Polly. Her death has left our family absolutely heartbroken and empty.”

Polly has two brothers, Ollie and Henry, and a sister, Emily, as well as grandparents who all adore her in Stoke St Mary, Milverton and Wales.

In a joint statement her parents said: “Polly was our beautiful daughter who should be remembered for her infectious laugh and smile that brought joy to everyone she knew.’’ Taunton School headmaster Lee Glaser said: “Polly was a vivacious and outgoing pupil who had a real passion for life.

“She was a lovely girl whose spirit and engaging smile will always be remembered.

“Polly was also a talented sportswoman who represented the school in several sports. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”

Polly had been staying with close family in the New Forest since the summer, where she celebrated her birthday a fortnight before her death at 1.30am on Saturday.

Her workmates at The Pig Hotel, in Brockenhurst, issued a statement saying: “Polly was one in a million, always smiling and so full of energy.

“We have all been privileged to have her as part of our team.

“She had such an infectious laugh and smile, a truly unique individual with such a positive outlook on everything.”

One of Polly’s friends wrote to her parents describing her as “funny, beautiful, clever, always happy and smiling”.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned, while a date has yet to be set for Polly’s funeral in the chapel at Taunton School followed by a private family service at Taunton Deane Crematorium.