TRIBUTES have been paid to a pensioner who was killed in a motorway crash.

Jean Watson, aged 82, from Horwich, died at Royal Preston Hospital after the car she was driving was involved in a three-vehicle smash.

The Hyundai Getz being driven by Ms Watson crashed with a Ford Focus and a Vauxhall Zafira near junction three of the eastbound carriageway of the M55 at 7.20pm on January 30.

Doris Walker, aged 78, from Bolton, who worked with Ms Watson, a former cashier, at Bolton Wholesale Newsagents in Johnson Street, Bolton, has paid tribute to her friend.

Mrs Walker said: “Jean was a really nice lady, she was lovely and would help anyone. She was a quiet and independent woman. She was a very self contained person but when we worked together she would help the younger girls in the office.

“She would guide them and show them different things to do. It is just so sad for her to end up this way.”

Ms Watson is believed to have had a small family and never married.

She had been actively involved the church and lived in Horwich.

A woman, also aged in her 80s, who was a passenger in the car suffered a broken arm and other injuries.

A man driving a Ford Focus involved in the smash suffered whiplash and shock.

The road was closed for more than seven hours.

Any witnesses to the crash can call Lancashire Police on 101.