Tributes have been paid to a "wonderful, elegant and brave" grandmother who died following a car crash.

Rita Cracknell, 79, from Wateringbury was the passenger in a Mazda that hit two parked cars in Paddock Wood.

She was taken to King’s College Hospital in London with serious neck injuries but died almost a fortnight later, on Friday, November 21.

Today her heartbroken family issued a statement saying: “Rita was our loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She will be greatly missed.

"Family and friends have been devastated by the sad, sad news. Rita will be remembered as a dear and loving friend by many, a most wonderful lady, elegant and brave. She was so courageous in facing life’s challenges, always cheerful and ‘battled on’.

"Everyone who knew her admired her enormously and we were so very lucky to have had her as a wife, mother and friend." - the family of Rita Cracknell

"Everyone who knew her admired her enormously and we were so very lucky to have had her as a wife, mother and friend.

"Rita had a good spirit and a real zest for life. We all share many wonderful memories of the things we did together – talked, laughed, shopped, holidayed, partied, walked, spending time at favourite places."

Rita lived and worked locally for 40 years, and supported many excursions with the National Trust and National Association of Decorative and Fine Art Societies, a leading arts charity.

The families say they are thankful for all the support from family and friends.

Rita leaves a husband, son and grandson.

Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is investigating the crash, which happened in Maidstone Road in Paddock Wood at 10.10am on Saturday, November 8, and is urging any witnesses to come forward.

If you have any information, call the dedicated SCIU appeal line on 01622 798538.

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