The parents of a young woman killed in a car crash spoke today of their fun-loving daughter, who used to light up people's lives with her smile.

Recruitment agency worker Rachel Hay, 22, died at the wheel of her red Honda Coupe when it was in a crash involving three cars shortly after midday on Saturday.

Scores of cards and floral tributes have been delivered to the home in The Headlands, Market Harborough, which Rachel shared with her parents, Sue and Don.

Today, they said they wanted people to contact police if they had any information about how the accident happened.

Mrs Hay said: "Rachel was a very lively young lady who loved her music and going out with friends. When she entered a room she just lit it up with her smile and made people feel good.

"She was a loving and caring person."

She said Rachel was educated at Welland Park College and Robert Smyth School, in Market Harborough, and had worked for Onsite Partnership for 18 months.

"We are a close family and she is missed terribly by all of us, especially her brothers,'' Mrs Hay said.

"We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and the sympathy we have received from everyone, including our employers."

As well as her parents, Miss Hay leaves brothers Chris, 26, and Andy, 24, and nephews Tyler, two, and nine-month old Cameron.

Mr Hay said: "The last time we saw her was at about 6pm on Friday, before she went out.

"She used to call in the next day after a night out. But that did not happen this time and that is what we cannot understand.

"We don't know where she was going or why.

"We would urge anyone who knows what happened to come forward and tell the police."

Miss Hay's funeral is to be held at St Nicholas Church, Little Bowden, on Thursday at 11am, followed by cremation at Kettering. Her ashes will be buried alongside her grandparents in Medbourne church yard.

Her father said: "We are expecting a large number of her friends to attend the funeral – that is why we have decided to have a church service locally before going to Kettering Crematorium.

"We are yet to finalise the service, which will be led by the Rev Stephen Bishop."

The accident happened on the A6, near the McDonald's roundabout, north of Market Harborough.

The police said Miss Hay was driving towards Kibworth and the accident involved a Ford Fiesta travelling towards Market Harborough. A Mondeo travelling towards Kibworth was also involved.

The driver of the Fiesta was taken to hospital in Coventry, but his injuries were not life- threatening. The driver of the Mondeo was unhurt.

People with information are asked to contact Det Con Patricia Draycott on 0116 222 2222.