THE broken-hearted father of teenager Tara Lipscombe, tragically killed by a model plane on Dartford Heath, has paid tribute to his gentle and beautiful daughter.

Graham Lipscombe, 50 , revealed the devastated family are taking each day an hour at a time as they struggle to come to terms with their loss.

Tara, 13, of Wilmot Road, Dartford, was walking on the heath with mum Jane, 46, and sister Rachelle, 10, on April 15 when she was struck by an Acrowot plane with a 5ft wingspan.

Mr Lipscombe said: "It has been just unbelievable, it really has. We have been floored completely, it is an awful feeling. There is no certainty, the only certainty we have is she is not with us any more. It is difficult to get through the day and we have our ups and downs. We miss her so much."

At a memorial service on May 2 friends and family dedicated poems and tributes to the teenager.

Cousin Hannah Lindfield said: "Tara was a lovely, gentle and beautiful young girl and did all the normal things a young girl would do," she said.

Dartford Heath has a designated flying area for model plane enthusiasts but the family say Tara was nowhere near this spot when the fatal accident happened. The Lipscombe family has now joined a campaign co-ordinated by the Friends of Dartford Heath to change by-laws and ban model planes from flying in the area.

Mr Lipscombe said: "We are trying to get everybody we know who has any feelings about it to write to the council.

"We want model planes banned on the heath. It is stupidity to have things like this flying around."

He added: "We would like to thank all our friends and family for their kindness."

Tara's Year 1 teacher Marilyn Kay recalls how when she became pregnant, Tara asked her many questions. "When my daughter was born Tara bought her a yellow bunny."

A spokesman for Tara's school, West Hill primary, said: "We have been privileged to have know Tara and are proud she was a member of our school."

Dartford Council will meet in the summer to discuss safety on the heath. An inquest was opened and adjourned on April 23.

The 55-year-old man who was flying the plane has been questioned by police who say he was "absolutely devastated." He has not been charged with any offence and police are still investigating the tragedy.

Dartford Council is awaiting the result of the investigation. To support the campaign, call Friends of Dartford Heath co-ordinator, Julie Carr on 01322 226 277 or write to David Fletcher, director of property and regeneration, at Dartford Council, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1DR.