Tributes have been paid to a young mum killed in an horrific car crash, who "lived life to the max and would do anything for anybody".

It comes as police confirm the second driver involved remains in a critical condition.

The woman who died in Sunday's crash near Carlisle has been formally identified as Lauren Filer, 27, of Annan, Dumfries.

She was the mother of two young daughters.

In a statement, Lauren’s mother, Senga Garthwaite, said: “Lauren was a loving daughter and mother of two young daughters aged nine and four.

“She was a bubbly character who lived life to the max. She would do anything for anybody.

“Her two young daughters were her priority and she will be sadly missed by all.

“She worked as a shop assistant at Greggs in Annan and she had a great rapport with customers and colleagues.”

Her devastated family and friends have taken to social media site Facebook to express their profound shock.

Meanwhile, Cumbria police has renewed its appeal for witnesses to the two-car crash, which happened on a stretch of the A689 near to the Walby Farm Park turn-off.

Ms Filer was driving a Peugeot 208 which was in collision with another Peugeot, driven by a 49-year-old man from Carlisle.

Cumbria police have issued a statement saying that he remained in a critical condition at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI). He was airlifted to hospital with multiple injuries.

In his car with him were his 43-year-old wife, the front-seat passenger and two girls, aged four and six.

All sustained injuries which police say were not life-threatening and they are now also being treated at The RVI. Police confirmed that Ms Filer was alone in her car.

Despite efforts to save her, she was confirmed dead at the scene.

As news of the tragedy spread, family and friends of the popular mum-of-two used Facebook to express their grief and pay tribute.

The comments included a poignant message from her heartbroken mother Senga: “I will never stop loving you.

“I thought it was hard losing my mother but God has just ripped my heart out. I've lost part of me? Till we meet again, sleep tight my darling daughter xxx.”

Lauren's neighbour Mandi Taylor McKinna wrote: “Absolutely heartbroken. Couldn't have asked for a lovelier girl to be our neighbour for seven years. Thinking of the girls and the family at this terrible time. Sleep tight and shine bright Lauren Filer.”

Serena Paterson's tribute was: “I just feel numb.

"Me and Lauren Filer have put the world to rights a few times and our kids have blossomed together. We were cousins and much more. I'll never stop thinking about you.”

The accident, a short drive from the Linstock roundabout, happened at 1.10pm on Sunday and triggered a huge emergency response.

Two Carlisle fire crews were quickly on the scene, along with five ambulance teams, numerous police officers and two helicopters from the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

They flew the 49-year-old man and the children to hospital in Newcastle.

In the hours after the tragedy, it emerged that passers-by who came upon the accident made determined attempts to help the injured.

Cumbria police have issued a statement, recognising that contribution and urging witnesses who can help piece together why the accident happened to get in touch.

A spokesman for force said: “The co-ordinated emergency response to yesterday’s serious road traffic collision on the A689 involved personnel from the police, ambulance and fire service, as well as colleagues from the air ambulance.

“We’re aware there were a large number of people in the area at the time, some of who offered assistance to those involved in the collision whilst emergency services travelled swiftly to the scene.

“We’d like to thank the public for their help, particularly first responders who assisted greatly.

"We continue to ask that anyone who witnessed the lead-up to the collision and has yet to get in touch contacts us on 101.”

Several miles of the A689 were closed until Sunday evening as emergency crews worked at the scene.

Firefighters initially used specialist cutting gear to free casualties from their cars as GNAAS medics and paramedics worked.

With the casualties taken to hospital, police accident investigators spent several hours examining the scene for clues.

Several people used social media to comment on the attempts of passers-by to help before the arrival of the emergency services.

Sophie Baxter posted on Facebook: “We were at the scene and this was tragic. The general public who stopped to help those involved were amazing!

“Everyone pulled together and did what they could - despite the circumstances until and after the emergency services arrived. Such an awful outcome and I really hope the gentleman and those kiddies pull through.”

Witnesses who can help the investigation should contact Cumbria police on 101, citing log 123 of February 19.