by Dan Bloom

dbloom@thekmgroup.co.uk

Friends have paid tribute to a Sainsbury's worker who has died two weeks after a car crash which killed her husband.

Carole Griffin, 66, of Lydd, died of her injuries yesterday morning after a 16-day fight for life in the William Harvey Hospital, Ashford.

Mrs Griffin was returning home in a blue Nissan Micra driven by her husband Barry, 67, when it was in a head-on crash with a blue Suzuki Vitara on the A259 between Brenzett and Lydd.

The crash on December 18 tragically killed Mr Griffin at the scene, while his wife was airlifted to hospital. Police are still investigating what happened.

The couple, of Megan Close, were keen members of the Lydd Allotments Association where they made tea and coffee for members.

Chairman Barry Arter said: "They were such a lovely couple who loved getting involved.

"Barry was one of those people who would joke about everything and Carole was the one who would get him organised. What's happened is horrible."

Mr Griffin's friend Mike Peirson, of Brooks Way, Lydd, added: "We have known Barry and Carole for a few years.

"Barry was a lovely gardening friend and also my fishing buddy.

"He had only recently taken on sea fishing and I was teaching him everything I knew."

Family members kept a bedside vigil for Mrs Griffin, who has become the second worker at New Romney's Sainsbury's store to die in a car crash on the A259 in three months.

Employee Carol Harris, 62, died in a similar accident near Old Romney on her way to work in October.

The couple are survived by children Ian, Michael, Helen and Jon and six grandchildren.

Family friend Viv Street said: "They were both very kind people. It's absolutely tragic."

Firefighters from Lydd, New Romney, Folkestone and Ashford battled snow and ice to reach the crash at around 10am on December 18.

They freed a man and woman from the Suzuki using hydraulic cutting equipment. The pair are now recovering at home.

Police say they are anxious to speak to the driver of a silver car, possibly a Ford Focus, which they believe may have been behind the Micra.

A police spokesman said: "The driver turned around at the scene immediately after it happened.

"The driver could be an important witness."

Officers are still appealing for witnesses, who should call 01622 798 538.

See Thursday's Kentish Express to read the a family tribute to the crash victims.