A TEENAGER has been charged in connection with a road tragedy which claimed the life of a popular Brighouse girl.

Naomi Gough died in January after a crash on Burdock Way near Halifax town centre.

Police have confirmed that a 19-year-old man has now been charged with death by dangerous driving and is due to appear before magistrates in Halifax a week on Friday.

He has not been named.

Naomi was 19 when she died on January 10 after her Renault Clio was involved in the incident which led to her death.

Her passenger and close friend Rachael Parr, 21, of Shelf, suffered broken ribs, collarbone and a punctured lung.

Earlier that day Naomi had been on a day trip to Blackpool, the furthest she had driven since passing her test two months before.

She had called in at her Brighouse home to see parents Bev and Steve before heading to work at a pub in Halifax. She was on her way for a pizza after work when the tragedy happened.

Mr Gough said: “Naomi was always smiling and laughing. That is how we will remember her. We can’t believe how many people she knew and how many lives she has touched.’’

At her funeral all her friends wore bright clothes to reflect her bubbly personality.

Naomi lived at home with her parents, younger sister Rochelle, and older brother Shane.

Her best friend, Sarah King, who put together a book of memories about Naomi, said: “There are so many people who knew her, but she could never have imagined how many of them held her close to their heart.

“What happened has broken so many people — her gorgeous family, her best friends and everybody else in between.

“She had the personality and looks that many envied, but everybody loved. She was fun, bubbly and was always surrounded by people. If anything put her down, she picked herself right back up and shone.’’

Sarah added: “She had a sensitive side that only people really close to her knew and felt.

“She would listen to all the advice given her and would also give great advice out.’’

Naomi had been studying for a photography degree at Leeds University. Sarah said: “It was her calling in life. She had a talent for it.’’