FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a woman pedestrian killed when she was struck by a car on the A26 near Maidstone last weekend.

In a statement, issued through Kent Police, they said that Joyce Denning, from the village of Teston, was "a well-liked and respected member of the community" and a regular church-goer.

The tragedy happened at about 12.30pm last Saturday as the 80-year-old, who never married and had no children, was crossing the road at Teston.

The statement continued: "Joyce attended church from an early age and when living in Strood she was a Sunday school teacher.

"With regard to the church in Teston, Joyce was on the church committee. She used to help do the flowers within the church and has also done the flowers for people’s weddings.

"In order to pay for the flowers, Joyce painted, and then sold these paintings. She learnt to paint after she retired by taking adult education classes."

She was born in Longfield, near Gravesend, and was the eldest of three children, with two younger brothers.

The statement went on: "At a young age, the family moved to Strood, where she Joyce grew up. It was from there that she joined the WAFs, where she worked as a parachute packer and then telephonist.

"From here she went to work at the Maidstone Exchange as a telephonist, retiring after 37 years as chief supervisor.

"After leaving the WAFs Joyce moved to Mangravet (at Maidstone) and then 27 years ago she moved to the flat in Teston, where she has been ever since."

A 23-year-old man has appeared in court charged with causing the death of Joyce Denning by dangerous driving.

David Stewart, of Bramley Crescent, Bearsted, near Maidstone, wept during his appearance before magistrates in Maidstone on Monday.

He was bailed to his home address on condition that he does not drive a motor vehicle and reports weekly to police. He is due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on February 20.

Two other people arrested at the scene of the incident have been bailed until Tuesday, April 4, pending further inquiries.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to contact Sgt Julian Barton on 01622 798538.