TRIBUTES have been paid to Heather Linley who died in a car crash near Clent.

The two car accident happened just before 7.30pm on May 1 on the A491 Bromsgrove to West Hagley dual carriageway, close to the turn for Clent.

Heather died when her blue Volkswagen Golf crossed the central reservation and collided with a white Ford Mondeo which was travelling in the opposite direction. She was 48-years-old.

Heather, who lived in Redditch, was the eldest daughter of Desmond and the late Edna Linley.

She was well known as a senior member of staff at Stourbridge College, having taught there during the last decade.

Educated at Carlton-le-Willow Grammar School, Wolverhampton Polytechnic and the University of Bath, Heather gained various qualifications including a degree in biological science.

Bromsgrove residents may remember Heather from her time at North Bromsgrove High School, where she began her teaching career.

She then moved on to a position at North East Worcestershire College.

Heather also had a love of sport, in particular hockey in which she represented her school, Nottinghamshire, Worcestershire and the Midlands.

A fellow team mate said: "Her passion for the sport and dedication to promoting the talents of young people was evident. She was president of the Worcestershire Hockey Association and the Ladies Club Captain at Old Silhillians.

"Her untimely death has left an enormous void in the game."

A family friend described Heather as a "vibrant, warm and enthusiastic woman who will be sadly missed by all those whose lives she touched."

Police are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to contact PC Sian Davies, of the North Worcestershire road policing unit, on 08457 444888.