THE families of three teenage friends who died in a car crash have spoken of their loss and devastation.

Jenna Barbour, 18, David Armstrong, 15, and 16-year-old Josh Stewart, who were all from Dunbar, were all killed when their car left the road and struck a wall in Tyninghame, East Lothian, on Monday.

Police Scotland has launched an investigation and is appealing for information from any witnesses who saw the crash or the car earlier in the evening.

The boys were in their fifth year at Dunbar Grammar School, while Ms Barbour had left the same school in the summer. A memorial is being planned and the school is talking to the families about the best way to remember the three teenagers.

A special assembly was held at the school on Tuesday, and pupils were allowed to leave early.

Jenna's mother Sandra, her father Drew and brother Gregor released a statement through police yesterday, which said: "We have been left completely devastated by the death of our beloved Jenna, who was a dearly loved daughter, sister and friend.

"Having only recently left school, Jenna had her whole life in front of her and had been saving for a trip to New Zealand, which was her dream holiday.

"Jenna had been working extremely hard to save for the trip. When she wasn't busy working at her part-time jobs she loved horse riding and was very accomplished at the sport. As well as regularly spending time practising, Jenna also volunteered with the Riding for the Disabled charity."

The family said they were "immensely proud of Jenna and everything she achieved in her life".

The statement added: "To lose someone as special as Jenna has left a huge hole in our hearts and we ask that our family be left alone to grieve at this incredibly difficult time."

David's mother Andrea said: "Our family is still in a state of complete shock following David's death and we are struggling to come to terms with our loss.

"David was a kind-hearted and good-mannered boy, who was always respectful of adults and his peers and was a loving brother to his sister. He was athletic, enjoyed playing computer games and had a cheeky wink that made him such a wonderful person to know.

"We are grateful for all the kind words of support we're receiving at this time and would like to thank our family and friends for their condolences. However, we would like to grieve privately at this time and ask that we be left in peace to do so."

Josh's parents Susan and Mark said: "Josh was a much loved son, nephew, grandson and cousin, and a loyal friend. He was a joy to anyone who knew him and the people that met Josh and his smile would never forget him.

"Josh lived for rugby and the gym. He was still looking to find that elusive six pack. He will be sorely missed.

"It's time for the community to pull together in this very difficult time. My heart goes out to all families involved at this time of great sadness."

The car's fourth passenger, 16-year-old Robbie Gemmell, survived the crash.

He has been released from hospital and friends said that he was "well on the way to making a full recovery" after he was allowed home on Wednesday.

Earlier, Shamin Akhtar, East Lothian Council's education and children's wellbeing spokeswoman, said that the three deaths would be keenly felt in the community.

She said: "Dunbar is a very close and strong community and very few young people at school will not have known at least one of the young people involved.

"The grief will be felt for a long time and at the moment the school is focusing on supporting its young people and the families of those who died, as well as on ­sending our best wishes and thoughts for the recovery of the young person who survived the accident."