The family of a 15-year-old girl who was killed in a bus crash on a motorway have thanked the public for their “very kind comments and offers of support”.

Jessica Baker died when the bus she was travelling in overturned on the M53 at Hooton on the Wirral last month as it headed to West Kirby Grammar School, where she was a Year 11 pupil.

The driver, 40-year-old Stephen Shrimpton, also died, with his family saying he was “suffering medical issues” while at the wheel on 29 September.

In a new statement, the child’s family described her as a “talented and dedicated climber” who competed for both Wales and the North West England.

Her relatives added: “Jessica loved all sports and chose GCSE PE as one of her options, but her overriding passion was for both indoor and outdoor climbing.

“Despite being a teenager, Jessica was able to communicate with everyone she came into contact with regardless of their age. She was often seen offering support to fellow climbers on how to achieve a problem/route they were trying to complete.

“Jessica was planning to explore a career in sport in some way and was due to begin her coaching qualifications later this year towards this goal.”

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The family have set up an online book of condolences, as well as a link to donate to the charity Climbers Against Cancer.

‘Loyal friend’

Earlier in the month, her family said Jessica, from Chester, was a “wonderful daughter, granddaughter and niece, devoted sister and loyal friend”.

“Her untimely death has led to a massive void in our lives that will never be filled.”

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Read more: Teenager who survived bus crash describes what he saw

Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, from the serious collision investigation unit, said: “Our thoughts remain not only with Jessica’s family but the bus driver Stephen Shrimpton’s family who also passed away and are being supported by specially trained Police Officers.

“My team and I have held a meeting with the families of the other 57 children involved, and they are being supported and updated on the progress of the investigation.

“On behalf of those families, I would like to thank those people who stopped and helped in the immediate aftermath of this tragic incident.”

The investigation into the crash is ongoing and police are still appealing for witnesses to come forward and for any dash-cam footage.

Four children were taken to hospital after the crash and a 14-year-old boy is said to have suffered life-changing injuries.

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