A father has paid tribute to his "happy and smiling" daughter, who died in a head-on crash.

Nineteen-year-old Margareta Reichl's Vauxhall Nova was involved in a smash with a van on the A22 at Forest Row, near East Grinstead.

Her 15-year-old friend, who was in the Nova's passenger seat, suffered serious head injuries and was in a critical condition today.

The teenager, who has not been named, has been transferred from the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath to a specialist unit in London.

Margareta had been driving home from the church when the crash happened at 11.30pm last Friday.

Witnesses saw the Nova's bonnet crushed under the van. Co-workers at the church came across the horrific scene minutes later and called Margareta's family.

Her father Bernd Reichl was away on business in Macedonia when he heard the news and rushed home to Sharpthorne, near East Grinstead.

Mr Reichl said: "Her loss, with such a bright future ahead of her, is tragic. But memories of her will always be of her many positive qualities, of her smile, of her laugh."

Mr Reichl moved to England from Munich, Germany, more than 20 years ago, with his wife, three daughters and two sons. He had been attracted by the good schools in Sussex and Margareta thrived in her studies at Greenfields, Forest Row.

Mr Reichl said his daughter had wanted to help others and became a full-time volunteer with the Church of Scientology at Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead.

Before she died, Margareta had been helping to co-ordinate a church-backed anti-drugs campaign.

Mr Reichl said: "She understood drugs as the worst thing happening to society. She was very politically minded. She was aware of all the problems of drugs and drink and their negative impact.

"She was in favour of activities like horse riding and enjoying Sussex country life. She became known at the church for her dedication, competence and bright outlook.

"Friends and colleagues said she was always happy and smiling."

Margareta had worked at the Church of Scientology for almost a year.

Church spokesman Graeme Wilson said: "Staff here are obviously very shocked by a such a tragic event involving one so full of life.

"She was such a dedicated person who was very involved in helping others."

Three men in the van suffered minor injuries in the crash and were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

They were released on police bail without charge until May 28.