NEIGHBOURS and friends have paid tribute to a Sheppey woman killed in a road accident. Emma Wicketts, 77, of Scocles Road, Minster, was a front seat passenger in a Nissan Sunny driven by her husband, Roy, when the car was in collision with a Volvo 740 at Saffron Way, Sittingbourne.

Next door neighbour Mrs Margaret Gregory, 80, said Mrs Wickett's death had come as a real shock. "She was nice and lovely and always had a smile on her face." Vera Brenchley, of Drake Avenue, Minster, said: "She was a lovely lady."

Mrs Wicketts, also known as Nell, was a member of the Holm and Danley Women's Institute. As a mark of respect, the group has cancelled a social event which was due to be held on December 11. WI president Cathie Lewis said: "Nell was a valued member and held in high esteem. She was a good sales person and in charge of the sales table.

"Nell's interests were her family and her home. She was a fun loving person, always had a smile on her face and very happy to participate in anything. I was very shocked and upset to learn of her death as were the other members."

Mrs Wicketts died of internal injuries at Medway hospital on November 25, the day after the accident. Her 78-year-old husband has been discharged from hospital.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the crash. Insp Ian Williams said two witnesses had already come forward but he was still trying to establish how the accident happened. The crash occurred outside the Asda superstore at 4.25pm when the Wicketts were travelling from Sittingbourne towards Kemsley.

A funeral service for Mrs Wicketts, who also leaves a son, daughter and four grandchildren, will be held at Vinters Park Crematorium, Maidstone, on Friday, December 7, at 12 noon.