ABOUT 400 scooter riders and bikers rode out on Saturday afternoon in tribute to 16-year-old Jade Clark.

The solemn convoy made its way up the A338 to Ringwood, where pink helium-filled balloons were released in memory of the young scooter rider killed in a hit-and-run accident on the A31.

Hundreds of people turned out to release balloons in Jade’s memory at Carvers Recreation Ground.

Jade was a “much-loved” member of Ringwood’s Young Firefighters Association and local fire watch manager Kevin Morrison led the assembly in a two-minute silence before the balloons were released. They raised £1,144 for the association.

Jade’s father Billy Herald said it was an “overwhelming” moment when the balloons went up.

Lizzie Kirkhope, one of Jade’s many friends present, said: “It is something we can remember Jade by, she will never be forgotten.

“It was an emotional moment, |I tried to hold it back but couldn’t.

“I am really pleased to see so many of her friends have come along here tonight to show their support.”

Jayne Gosling, whose daughter Kim went to school with Jade, said: “Everyone in the town knew her.

“If you saw her walking down the road just her smile would completely brighten up your day.

“We just wanted to come along and show our support for her |family.

“I think the whole of Ringwood would have turned out for this today if they could. Everyone I have spoken to has been devastated by it.”

Ringwood mum and family friend Kerry Sartin, who helped Jade’s friends organise the event, said: “It is great to see so many people here.

“This is something Jade’s friends wanted to do for her and I am pleased everyone has shown their support.”

The scooter convoy organiser, Colin McDonald, said: “It has been amazing to see such a great turnout.

“We had scooter clubs, bike clubs and trike clubs all keen to take part.

“It is a difficult thing to organise but everyone pulls together in this sort of situation.

“It is tragic that a 16-year-old girl lost her life in such circumstances, and we are all here to pay tribute.

“At the end of the day this could have been any of our kids.”