Tributes have been paid to an elderly road crash victim who was today named by police as retired Kidderminster social worker Jean Cole.

Mrs Cole died 11 days after the crash, which happened near her home.

The 78-year-old was driving her Vauxhall Corsa when it was involved in a collision with an LDV van in Habberley Road, less than a mile from her home.

She had been out visiting friends in Hillside Drive when the accident happened. Her grieving husband today described her as “very popular, kind and generous”.

The former social worker was a popular member of the Rose Theatre drama group and Kidderminster Horticultural Society.

Her husband Alan, aged 86, today said: “This really has all been so terrible. She will be remembered by many people.” More than 100 mourners gathered at her funeral at Stourbridge Crematorium on Friday.

Mrs Cole, originally from Whetstone in Leicester, died on October 8. She had suffered head and leg injuries in the crash on September 28 but was well enough to return home days later.

On October 8, she was rushed back to hospital after her condition worsened.

Mr Cole said the head injuries had brought on a “stroke-like state” which led to her death.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision to call 0300 333 3000.