TRIBUTES from around the globe have been paid to the North Oxford teenager killed in a bus crash in Peru.

Georgia French, 19, of Davenant Road, died in the incident high in the Andes on Saturday last week - just two weeks into a gap year trip.

She was travelling with school friends Jessica Last, of Banbury, and Charlotte Mardon-Heath, of North Oxford, who were both injured in the crash.

Her family managed to track down their eldest daughter Charlotte, 22, who is travelling in India, and break the news of her sister's death.

Paul Kelsey, chairman of Oxford City Athletics Club, said the news had come as a devastating blow to the club where Georgia had been a member.

He remembered Georgia as the "superstar" athlete he coached when she was a youngster.

"She was always laughing and she was not scared to have a go at anything," he said.

"She was very conscious of other youngsters around her and if they were left out she would go around and make sure they were OK."

Mr Kelsey remembered Georgia winning the club's Five Star competition three times and appearing on the TV show Energize.

He added: "She was a superstar at all sports, very talented and an extremely nice person with it."

Online tributes have included messages of support for the French family from others affected by the crash.

Suzanne, from Saskatchewan, Canada, said: "My brother and his friend were also on this bus, and I am so thankful that they survived. My sympathy and prayers are with the families who were less fortunate."

Georgina, from Laois, Ireland, said: "My brother was on that bus with his girlfriend and still remains in a hospital in Lima. My thoughts and prayers are with the French family."

Sam, a friend of Georgia's, said: "She was an amazing person and will be missed by all."

Meanwhile, Robert, from Oxford, said: "I used to know her via Oxford City Athletic Club and she will be missed very much."

Georgia's former headteacher at Oxford High School, Felicity Lusk, said: "Our thoughts are with her family, who have lost a loving daughter and sister, and also with her travelling companions and their families."

Miss Lusk said Georgia left Oxford High School in August 2006 having achieved outstanding academic and sporting success.

She added: "Georgia was an A-grade student, who had developed into a self-reliant, mature and sociable young woman, well-liked and respected by all."

Deborah Last, the mother of Jessica, 19, said she was looking forward to her daughter's return. She added: "It has been a traumatic time for all of us and we are happy she's coming back."