The family of a woman killed in a car crash has paid tribute to her caring nature and heart of gold.

Gillian Lowndes, known as Gill, from Shepway, Maidstone, died in an ambulance after her car collided with a van on the A262, near Tenterden, on Thursday at 5.45pm.

The 62-year-old, who worked at Johnson's Dry Cleaners for 32 years, leaves behind her son Sean, his wife Lisa and seven grandchildren, aged between eight months and 18 years old.

In a tribute to his mum, Sean Lowndes said: "She has left such a big hole in our lives that no one can ever replace.

"She was looking forward to working two days a week so she could spend more time with her grandchildren. My mum will be deeply missed by all that knew her.

"(She was) a much loved Mum, nanny, daughter, sister and friend. Loved by all that knew her and touched everybody she met. She was a very loyal, loving, caring person that lived for her family."

Mr Lowndes said people who have described his mum have said how kind, loving and gentle she was and that she had a heart of gold.

The grandmother-of-seven was on her way to the William Harvey Hospital when she died.

The accident, attended by police, fire crews and ambulances, closed the road for four hours.

Police have asked any witnesses to call the Witness Appeal Line on 01622 798 538.