"CHELSEA was the most special and perfect part of our family."

Those were the moving words of the parents of 17-year-old Chelsea Wheeler who died after a crash in Stallingborough.

As reported, the accident happened on October 27, as Chelsea drove her beloved purple BMW Mini on the A1173.

She had been going to see her boyfriend Jamie Robinson, with her school friend Ashleigh Gregory (17), when the car left the road, colliding with a tree.

Tragically, she died in hospital two days later, with her family by her side.

Her devastated parents, Chris and Sue Wheeler, of Arnold Close, Laceby Park, Laceby, today paid tribute to their daughter, who 'brightened up everyone and everything she came into contact with'.

Chelsea Wheeler (17) who died in a car accident.

The Grimsby Institute psychology student had worked part-time at a Killingholme hairdresser's and had passed her driving test the previous month.

However, Sue said she had loved driving, and had done so since her 17th birthday in April.

She said: "She was always a happy, cheerful, smiling child and lately a young lady and she brightened up everyone and everything she came into contact with.

"She loved all her family and friends and they were the most important things in her life."

The former Laceby Stamford School and later Healing School pupil was also horse-mad, regularly attending Weelsby Park riding school.

To reflect this, on Tuesday she will be carried in a horse-drawn carriage to her funeral.

Dad Chris said: "She brought so much joy and happiness and our lives have been enhanced by her being with us.

"We have and continue to take joy from all the thoughts and kind words from all of her friends and these also make us feel so immensely proud of Chelsea and the way she has touched people in her life."

Sue added tributes left by friends on the Grimsby Telegraph website had provided comfort to all the family.

Ashleigh Gregory with best friend Chelsea Wheeler (right).

Ashleigh said: "Chelsea was like my big sister and people even thought we looked like sisters."

She added: "I will always miss Chelsea and our going out together. I will miss our chats, but will remember the advice she always gave me as well as the times she told me off."

Ashleigh is still recovering in hospital after sustaining serious injuries in the crash.

Funeral details:

A celebration of Chelsea's Life will take place at Grimsby Crematorium on Tuesday at 2.20pm. All are welcome – but by request of her family, everyone must wear something pink. Floral tributes must be received by Sentiments Funeral Directors no later than 10am on the morning of the service.

http://lastingtribute.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/tribute/wheeler/2943322