An elderly driver has been summonsed to court after a car smashed through the window of a Costa Coffee shop killing a woman.

The 86-year-old man will be charged with causing death by dangerous driving when he appears at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court.

A woman in her 70s died in the crash, which happened in Westerham on Christmas Eve.

Valerie Deakin, 74, was sitting with her family near the window of the shop in Market Square when the tragedy happened.

The mother of two, from Udimore, East Sussex, was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement released by her family, Mrs Deakin was described as a "modest" and "kind" woman who shared a love for all creatures - big and small.

Her husband Paul said: "At 10.30am on Christmas Eve, 2015, Val, my lovely wife of 50 years, was enjoying a cuppa inside the Costa Coffee café, Westerham, accompanied by her eldest daughter and best friend.

"The shock and loss are indescribable. Modest, kind, exceedingly hard working and above all caring she loved all creatures, great and small, with a passion. We adored her. Rest in peace."

The driver and his passenger were among five seriously injured in the smash, which left the Audi embedded in the side of the building.

Following the accident, Chief Inspector Roscoe Walford told KentOnline: "A black Audi was travelling down Westerham High Street when, for reasons unknown, it hit a couple of cars, travelled along the footpath and into the window of the coffee shop where people were drinking coffee and celebrating Christmas Eve."

The driver, who is from the town, will appear in court on Tuesday, July 5.

Police continue to appeal for witnesses. If you can help call 101.