The devastated family of a cyclist fatally struck by a car say she spread "love and light wherever she went".

Jacqueline McFarling, 54, from Broadstairs, tragically died following the crash in Ramsgate on Friday.

Police rushed to Dumpton Park Drive, at its junction with Montefiore Avenue, shortly after 4.30pm, but she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Jacqueline's family and friends have been left grief-stricken following her death in "such sudden and tragic circumstances".

Her husband Don Gray paid tribute on behalf of her family, saying: "She will be so sorely missed by the very many people whose lives she touched.

"Devoted to her family and very many friends in numerous spheres, she overcame adversities in her own life to spread love and light wherever she went."

Jacqueline grew up in Gloucestershire, before going to university in Bristol where she learned sign language.

"Jacqueline had a huge capacity for fun and laughter, and took life head on..."

She later moved to Kent to take up a job as a social worker at the county council, where she worked with deaf adults.

A keen athlete, she formerly ran with the Canterbury Harriers running club, and more recently with a group named The Illegals made up of members from across Thanet.

Jacqueline was also a Buddhist, having found the religion at university.

Mr Gray said: "SGI-UK Buddhism was absolutely central to her life, and through her career as a social worker in the deaf community, she was a person whose sole aim in life was to help others.

"A keen runner, cyclist and swimmer, Jacqueline had a huge capacity for fun and laughter, and took life head on.

"Our lives will be diminished by the physical loss of Jacqueline, but she will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know, love and be loved by her."

Jacqueline leaves behind an "extensive" family - including her husband, mother, brother, sister, and nieces and nephews.

Her colleagues at Kent County Council have also paid tribute to her, saying: "Jacqueline was a beloved member of the Sensory Service in KCC and more widely in the Deaf community.

"She was a much-loved friend and a valued work colleague and we were proud to be her 'work family', as she put it.

"Jacqueline worked for many years with so much passion and commitment, which will show in the great legacy she leaves behind in the lives of so many people she helped in her social work career which was dedicated to those with a sensory need.

"Our hearts are full of sadness at the great loss..."

“We will miss her great sense of fun and laughter which could echo across a room and put smiles on all of our faces.

"Our hearts are full of sadness at the great loss, and thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.”"

Craig Mackinlay, MP for South Thanet, described Jacqueline's death as "an absolute tragedy".

On Twitter, he wrote: "My thoughts go to family and friends – do get in contact if you need any assistance and support at this dreadful time."

Police are appealing for witnesses following the fatal crash, which involved a silver Vauxhall Insignia Elite.

Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) have appealed for dashcam footage which might have recorded the crash and have asked any witnesses to come forward to help with the investigation.

Witnesses should call the SCIU appeal line on 01622 798 538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk quoting reference DS/DH/05/22.