The 21-year-old, who started work with South East Coast Ambulance Service in November, suffered serious multiple injuries in the crash near Tonbridge in Kent on Wednesday evening.

Despite further emergency services being despatched, including an air ambulance, she died at the scene.

Ms Clark's parents said she had been "so excited to qualify as a paramedic and looked forward to every shift".

They added: "She was a beautiful, kind, fun-loving daughter, sister and granddaughter.

"She loved to travel and anyone who met her loved her. She will be missed more than words can say by family and friends."

Her two colleagues were taken to hospital. A male paramedic who suffered serious multiple injuries was airlifted to Kings College Hospital in London.

A student paramedic, travelling in the rear, was treated for a head injury.

The ambulance had been on its way to an incident at the time, but there were no patients on board, while the lorry driver suffered minor injuries.

'Alice will be deeply missed'

Giovanni Mazza, manager of the Paddock Wood Operating Unit where Ms Clark was based, said: "Although she had only been with us for a short time, Alice was already very much part of our ambulance family and will be remembered as a kind and dedicated paramedic.

"She will be deeply and sadly missed by her colleagues and we're sending our love and prayers to her family and friends during this horrendous time."

Kent Police are investigating what happened and are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.