A DRIVER has been charged with causing the death of his 17-year-old passenger by careless driving following a crash on the A358 in Crowcombe in January.

Charlie Blandford-Corp, 18, from Minehead, was driving the Citroen Saxo car when it left the road and struck a tree at 3pm on January 7.

Williton teenager Bethany-Paige Adams, 17, who was a passenger in the car, died at the scene.

Hundreds of tributes were left on social networking site Facebook for Bethany, who was a care support worker at Croft House in Williton.

West Somerset Community College pupil Bethany, who was also a keen Manchester United football fan, was described as a “warm, funny and caring” girl.

She left behind parents, Helen and Mark, brother, Liam, 23, and sister, Danielle, 21, Following her death, Mr and Mrs Adams said: “The number of people who have sent messages to her Facebook page says it all.

“She just wanted to make others smile and lived life to the max. We're sorry for the people who won't have met Bethany.

“We're totally devastated and there aren't any words to describe how we feel - we're numb but also very proud of her.”

Bethany's mentor at West Somerset Community College, Steve Jeffs, said: “She was the first person to say 'good morning' to me every day.

“She was vibrant, energetic and always keen to get involved in organising and helping with activities in her mentor group.”

Mr Blandford-Corp is due to appear at Taunton Magistrates' Court on July 11.