NEIGHBOURS, colleagues and friends have offered their personal tributes to a Fylde couple tragically killed in a New Year's Eve mini-bus crash in South Africa.

Computer engineer Neil Pike, 35, and his fiance, nurse Christine Rowe, 30, of Clitheroes Lane, Freckleton, were among eight Britons who died on the R74 road to Harrismith on January 31.

The couple had been part of a group heading towards the Royal Natal National Park when a Mercedes Benz Sprinter they were travelling in swerved to avoid pedestrian Pelepele Miya.

It is widely believed that Miya, who also died in the incident, had a history of mental health problems and had been intent upon killing himself when he stepped into the road. Police also later revealed that the 24-year-old South African driver, Christopher Kampfert, was not licensed to operate the bus and a trailer, being towed by the vehicle, was unroadworthy.

Speaking to The Citizen, residents of Clitheroes Lane -- where the couple lived in their semi-detached Victorian villa home -- described them as 'quiet and respectable' and said the tragedy had shocked the entire community.

One neighbour said: "Nobody really knew them that well, they kept themselves to themselves and always seemed to be very pleasant and happy."

Another said: "Mr Pike used to come into the shop where I work so I knew him to say 'hello' to. It's all very sad."

Friends and colleagues at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital, where Ms Rowe worked as a staff nurse on Brindle Ward, were among the first to pay their respects. Best friend and colleague, staff nurse Debra Hunt, said: "She had the kindest, biggest heart and was so caring.

"It's just so terrible to lose her like this, you don't go on holiday to die."

Debra added: "The last time we were in contact was when she arrived in South Africa and she sent me a text message.

"I replied saying 'take care.'

"I'll miss her so much. Some days I wake up and think it's not real but then I see a news report and realise it is.

"I'm just taking it one day at a time."

Another close friend and colleague, Joanne Bingham, said: "She was well-loved and was very, very hard working."

Joanne, who attended the University of Central Lancashire with Christine and Debra, told how the couple had looked on the trip as their dream holiday.

She added: "She got really excited about the trip to South Africa.

"The sad bit is that it was something she had always wanted to do."

Chief executive of the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Tony Curtis, said: "We are deeply shocked and our thoughts are with Christine's family during this difficult time.

"We are offering support to the family and to members of staff who worked with Christine. She was a popular member of staff and she will be greatly missed by all her friends and colleagues."