A great-grandmother who died in a crash on the outskirts of Carlisle was a popular former teacher.

Moving tribues have been paid throughout the weekend to 86-year-old Maureen Smith, of Heads Nook, near Brampton.

She passed away following a collision involving the Fiat Panda she was driving, an HGV and a Ford Fiesta on the A689, near its Irthington junction, on Thursday afternoon.

Mrs Smith's family have paid tribute to her as "much loved" and "a great believer in helping others dedicating a lot of time to family, friends, supporting charities and those in need".

She was involved in a number of community groups across north Cumbria, including Brampton hospital's league of friends and as a volunteer with Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland.

In her working life, she had been a teacher at Harraby's former secondary school, as many pointed out by paying tribute on the News & Star's Facebook page.

Gill Hine Boldry posted: "One of my mum's fellow teachers at Harraby and post retirement coffee club. They trained together in Worcester all those years ago. My thoughts are with the family."

Shirley Gibson wrote: "Very tragic news. Taught me at Harraby School and a regular client of mine in the hairdressers. Such a lovely, caring lady."

Nicky Warwick described Mrs Smith as one of the nicest, most caring people you could meet, adding: "Was a pleasure serving with you on the league of friends for Brampton hospital."

Anne Bell posted: "Lovely lad. So sad. A wonderful PE teacher who taught me at Irthing Valley School."


Margaret Barwick wrote: "Maureen was a most caring and kind person who made time for everyone. Always had a smile and made everyone feel special. RIP."

Julie Blundell added: "A lovely kind lady with a heart of gold."