TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'daughter of Dorset' who died in a collision on the A37.

Grandmother Sheila Staples, 80, was killed at the Holywell Cross junction last Wednesday.

As reported in the Echo, the collision occurred when a silver Volvo single decker coach travelling south from Yeovil toward Dorchester and a grey Mitsubishi car, driven by an 83-year-old man from the Bridport area, entered the A37 from Holywell.

The front seat passenger of the car, Mrs Staples, of Birdsmoorgate near Marshwood, sadly died at the scene.

Sheila’s family described her as ‘a daughter of Dorset’ after being born here and living practically her whole life in the county.

She had been very happily married to her husband – Clifford – for 58 years, during which they raised their four children.

In a statement, Sheila’s family said: “We are grieving at the loss of a beloved wife, mother, sister and grandmother.

“We thank most sincerely her many friends for their kind messages of support.

“We should also like to thank the emergency services and the doctor and nurse who stopped to render assistance for all their efforts.”

Lifelong friend Patricia Shakeshaft from Bettiscombe said: “She was an invaluable member of our community, supporting our church and Thorncombe WI and our Ladies Open Group which meets once a month.

“She’s been a staunch member and she’s also been a friend of mine for many years. I was 17 when I met her.

“She was much loved. If ever you needed anything done she was always there, always in the kitchen, one of those mother figures.

“We hold an Open Group meeting in my house usually once a month and she was always in the kitchen manning the tea pots.

“She was one of those people. She will be greatly missed by everyone.

“She has a lovely family, they will pull together.

“It will be a big funeral.”

Officers from Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit are continuing to investigate the cause of the collision.

Police Constable Mike Henstridge, said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the manner of driving of either vehicle prior to the incident to please call on 101.”