Tributes have been paid to an "outstanding and inspirational teacher" who was killed in a crash on the M25.

Mother Barbara Du Preez, who taught at Fleetdown Junior School in Dartford, died during Monday night’s heavy downpours.

According to police, her car was travelling clockwise on the motorway between junctions two and three when it collided with a petrol tanker.

South East Coast Ambulance Service attended but Mrs Du Preez, from the Sevenoaks area, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The devastating news was broken to staff and pupils at the Lunedale Road school on Tuesday.

Headteacher Susan Clement revealed how much Mrs Du Preez would be deeply missed by all at the school.

She said: "Pupils, staff and the local community are shocked by the tragic death of Barbara Du Preez. We are a very close school and the loss will be felt by us all. Our sympathies are with her family at this difficult time - they are very much in our thoughts."

The carriageway was closed for several hours after the incident, which happened at 7.15pm on Monday.

Witnesses are asked to call the Serious Collision Unit on 01622 798538