A POPULAR pensioner died with a friend when their car crashed on a by-pass.

Tributes have been paid to Daphne Swanson, 78, who was killed instantly in the accident last Friday.

Driver Reg Post, 84, was cut from the wreckage but died later.

The pair had been on a shopping trip when the collision occurred with a Renault van on the A256 at Tilmanstone.

A widow who lived in Whitelock Close in Kingston, she was a dedicated supporter of the village’s St Giles Church and sang in the choir.

The Rev Lizzie Hopthrow, who knew Mrs Swanson well, said: "She really was a popular, warm-hearted person and a marvellous neighbour."

Mr Post lived at Gange Mews, Faversham.

* Full story in this week's Kentish Gazette.