TRIBUTES have been paid to a 61-year-old grandmother who died in a car crash on Friday.

Chris Gatenby, of Hemel Hempstead died when the blue Ford Focus she was driving collided with a red and white Iveco recovery truck in Haddenham at about 3.35pm.

She was heading to Aylesbury on the A418 Aylesbury Road while the truck was heading in the opposite direction.

The tribute, released by police, said: "Chris Gatenby was born in Headington, Oxford, to her parents Mel and Gwen Summers in 1951; she has a twin brother John and an older sister Jennie. She married Paul Gatenby and moved to Hemel Hempstead in 1980. Chris has four grown-up children - Paul, Ruth, Mark and John, as well as two grandchildren.

"She trained as a florist and was a keen gardener and allotment holder. Chris had a strong Christian faith and was involved in various church activities in St Albans. She was devoted to her family and friends and they are devastated by her loss.

"The family want to thank the emergency services and the staff at Stoke Mandeville Hospital for all their help and support."