A head teacher has paid tribute to a young, ‘bright and bubbly’ Keighley woman who died when her car was involved in a head-on collision on Tuesday.

Fire crews took two hours to free Danielle Heggarty, 20, from the wreckage of her silver Corsa after it was involved in a horrific collision with a green Volvo near Dick Hudson’s pub on Otley Road, High Eldwick, shortly after 10am.

Police said the young woman had been travelling towards Menston and the driver of the Volvo XC60, a 65-year-old woman, towards East Morton when the incident occurred.

It was sunny at the time of the crash and it is thought visibility may have played a part in the tragedy.

Despite firefighters battling to free her using heavy cutting gear, Danielle died at the scene.

She was due to celebrate her 21st birthday on Boxing Day.

Yesterday her family were too upset to comment, but tributes came pouring in from friends and teachers of the former Oakbank School pupil, from Ingrow.

Oakbank head teacher, Chris Thompson, said: “It is very sad when a young life is cut short so tragically and our thoughts go out to her family and friends.

“Danielle was well-liked by staff and students at the school and we are all saddened about what has happened.

“She was a bubbly personality who went on to our sixth form and made a strong contribution to school life, representing Oakbank in the netball team.”

Some of Danielle’s many friends have expressed their grief in a group dedicated to her memory on the online social networking site Facebook.

In a group named ‘Danielle – gone but not forgotten, you will always be in our hearts’, one friend said: “We’ll never forget you. Can’t believe I was supposed to see you today. Thinking of you always, miss you forever princess.”

Another said: “R.i.p Danielle. Puts life into perspective darling. Miss you, and the good times we had.”

A third said: “U always lived life to the full and you will be missed so so much...Sleep Tight.”

Another said: “U will be missed by so many people.”

Both cars were severely damaged in the accident and the Volvo driver was taken to Airedale Hospital by ambulance suffering from shock.

A third car, a blue Ford Ka, which was travelling behind the Volvo, also sustained minor damage in the incident after hitting debris.

West Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Enquiry Team is now investigating the incident. Anyone with information should contact 01924 293047.