FRIENDS of a pensioner with Royal household connections have spoken of their shock and devastation after she was killed in a car smash Elizabeth Jephson, 79, died when her Rover 25 and a Mercedes collided head-on on the A671 Accrington Road, Whalley.

Her friends have paid tribute to "a very kind, gentle woman".

Mrs Jephson, known as Betty to her many friends, was born and bred in Burnley and moved to Hampshire when she got married.

She returned to East Lancashire about eight years ago after she was widowed, and moved into flats in Green Park Court off Whiteacre Lane in Barrow, near Clitheroe.

Fellow resident Myra Clegg described the shock all the neighbours felt at the tragedy.

Mrs Clegg said: "We're all absolutely shattered by it.

"Betty was a such a fit and active person.

"To be taken by such a terrible accident is just awful.

"We're like a big family in the flats, and Betty was so well loved and popular.

"She was a very kind and gentle woman, and was always doing things to help others.

"I can't believe she's gone. I only saw her on Tuesday when she came up with the daily paper's crossword we would both do.

"She was a good friend and she'll be sorely missed by all of us "I just hope she was not in any pain before she died. I couldn't bear that."

A committed Christian, Mrs Jephson was a well known member of the congregation at Whalley Parish Church in Church Lane. Mrs Jephson had recently returned home after spending Christmas with her stepdaughter in Devon, as she did every year.

She also leaves two stepsons, who have connections with the Royal household, and an older brother and a younger sister who both live in Burnley. Stepson Patrick was former private secretary to Princess Diana and Michael is the catering manager at Buckingham Palace.

Mrs Jephson was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics after the three-car collision on Wednesday evening.

The driver and passenger in the Mercedes were treated at Royal Blackburn Hospital for minor injuries, as was the driver of a Volvo S40 which collided with the Rover after the initial smash.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident, which happened at 5.30pm on Wednesday near the Bramley Meade roundabout and are still appealing for witnesses to contact them with any information on 01254 51212.