A charity has paid tribute to a "popular" and "artistic" pensioner who died after she was hit by a car.

Vanessa Chown, from Warden Bay, Sheppey, was pushing her trolley bag along Leysdown Road when she was struck by a white Seat Exeo on the evening of December 6.

The 71-year-old, who lived in Emerald View, was a long-standing member of Age UK Sheppey.

Staff and friends from the charity said in a tribute: "Vanessa was a member for well over a decade and enjoyed her time at the little outreach centre at Bayview, before transferring to The Rosemary House Day Club in Sheerness.

"She was a tiny little lady but with a healthy appetite and loved the food, often asking for more.

"She was always eager to participate in activities and would happily undertake any of the crafting and could be very artistic."

They say Ms Chown, who is survived by her sister Melanie, most enjoyed outings to the steam railway in Tenterden and boat trips on the River Medway.

The tribute continued: "A close second would be Monday club's lunch out to various restaurants on the Island that were also popular with all the members.

"Vanessa was always happy to chat to others at the centre and would show an interest in our family members, often asking after their health and happiness.

"She honestly never had a bad word to say about anyone, so it is with great sadness that we will no longer be able to spend time together.

"We will however remember her fondly and often.

"From all the members at Age UK Sheppey, we will miss you."

Sheppey East councillor Padmini Nissanga (Reform UK), who said Vanessa helped her during her election, also paid tribute to the pensioner.

She said: "She always tried to help people. She liked living on her own, and though she didn't mix much with people she always helped.

"She was that sort of person – very quiet but really nice. She always attended the club with other pensioners.

"She was just a nice person, as soon as you needed someone's help, she would help. That's why she was really popular."

An inquest into Vanessa's death opened on December 19, and a full hearing will take place on a date that is yet to be set.

Police are investigating the crash but no arrests have yet been made.