THE distraught mum of teenager Jade Clark made an emotional appeal to the driver involved in a fatal collision on the A31 during a press conference.

Reading a statement, Sharon Clark said Jade's loss had left a hole in their hearts and lives that they will never fill.

Jade was killed whilst riding her moped on the A31 near Ringwood on Sunday, February 24.

Police are appealing for the driver of a Volvo CX90 to come forward.

Officers believe the car struck Jade while she was upright. But the vehicle failed to remain at the scene.

Jade’s mum Sharon, dad Billy Herald, stepdad Daniel Clark and grandmother Linda Pidgley spoke for the first time at the press conference today.

Mrs Clark urged the driver to "please, please" come forward or anyone who knows where the car might be to contact the police.

She said: “From the moment we were given this awful news, the family have been devastated.

“Jade was such a loving girl. Losing her has left a hole in our hearts and our lives that we will never fill.

“She was a wonderful daughter; stepdaughter; sister; granddaughter and friend.

“So many people have said so many nice things about Jade and I’d like to say thank you to all of them for their kindness.

“To lose Jade the way we did is what’s hardest to bear. For a driver to cause Jade’s accident and then drive away, leaving her alone in the road, is almost too difficult to believe.

“To that driver, I would say please, please come forward and contact the police. You must be finding this hard to live with, especially if you have children of your own.

“To anyone else who knows this driver, or knows where the car might be, please contact the police as soon as possible.”

Police officers continue to investigate all lines of enquiry and Crimestoppers are offering a reward of £1,000 to find the driver who knocked Jade off her scooter.

An inquest into Jade's death was opened and adjourned today where it was heard that Jade died as a result of severe head injuries.

Traffic Inspector Matt Butler said: “A number of vehicles were involved in the incident and one of these vehicles – a Volvo XC90 – left the scene before the police arrived.

“We know that the moped was upright at the time of the collision and believe that the Volvo XC90 was the first vehicle to collide with it.

“I need to trace the Volvo and urge anyone with information to contact me. I particularly appeal to the driver to get in touch – you can see the distress this has caused Jade’s family. Please do the right thing.

“The front of the vehicle will be damaged. If anyone is aware of a Volvo XC90 which has sustained damage or has been repaired in the last few days, they should call the police urgently.”

Members of the public will only be eligible for the cash reward if they call the Crimestoppers line – on 0800 555 111 – with information that leads to the arrest and charge of an offender.