The devastated family of a nan who died after she was hit by a taxi say she was “loved by every person who ever met her”.

Lynn Durling, 60, was crossing the Old Thanet Way in Herne Bay with her dog on Friday evening when they were both struck by the vehicle.

The black taxi was travelling towards Herne Bay when the “one-of-a-kind” Tesco worker and her Staffordshire bull terrier, Boston, were knocked down between the Chestfield and Greenhill roundabouts.

Emergency services were called to the scene – between the entrance to Herne Bay recycling centre and Lidl – at about 8.30pm.

Police confirmed a woman in her 60s and a dog were pronounced dead at the scene, where flowers have since been laid.

Today, Mrs Durling’s family have paid a heartbreaking tribute to the much-loved wife, nan and mum-of-two, naming her as the victim of the tragedy.

Friends have also expressed their grief, describing her as an “absolute diamond”.

Her son, Terence Durling, says his mum was born and raised in Penge in south east London and later worked at a Tesco store in Beckenham.

He told KentOnline: “She was, and still is, loved by every person who ever met her - she really was one of a kind.

“If she could help you then she would – no questions asked.

“She had so much love and time for her family and doted on them.

“She loved to spoil her four grandchildren, and Nannie never said 'no'.

“She is truly going to be missed by all who knew her and especially by her family, who are truly devastated by what has happened.”

Terence says his mum loved Herne Bay and would holiday there in her caravan.

She moved to the town a few years ago and worked at the Tesco Express store in Sea Street.

He added: “She had a soft spot for all animals, and at home she kept budgies, quails and canaries.

“Then there's Boston – her fur baby. They were inseparable until their final day.

“She loved Boston and he loved her too.

“He was a good dog and a part of the family for five years.

“May she rest in peace with her fur baby.”

Hundreds of tributes have been paid to Mrs Durling on social media.

Terri Thompson wrote: “So, so, so saddened to hear this. Lynn was such a people person and had a big heart.”

Jemma Greaves says news of the tragedy left her speechless, describing Mrs Durling as a lovely woman.

“We used to always gossip about Tesco when we worked together in Beckenham,” she said.

“I am so sorry for your loss – Lynn was an amazing woman.”

Katie Harris said: “I cannot believe I am reading this. Lynn was loved by all her Tesco colleagues and friends. An absolute diamond.”

Serious collision investigators are investigating the circumstances of the tragedy and are urging witnesses who have not yet spoken to police to come forward.

Anyone who saw what happened, or who may have dashcam footage of the collision, or CCTV, should call the appeal line on 01622 798538, quoting reference RY/SS/095/24.

Email sciu.td@kent.police.uk or upload dashcam footage here.