TRIBUTES have been paid to a council worker who died following a collision with a recycling lorry.

Dorothy Ann Harkes, known as Ann, originally from Coverdale, in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, was collecting recycling at a school in Cumbria when she was hit by the lorry, owned by South Lakeland District Council (SLDC).

She died from her injuries on March 18 in a local hospital.

Mrs Harkes, 58, who was also employed by SLDC, lived in Great Urswick, near Ulverston, in Cumbria, with her husband, Alistair, and was collecting the recycling at St Mary’s Church of England Infants and Junior School, in Windermere when she died.

Mrs Harkes’ family has paid tribute to a “much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister”.

The family said in a statement: “She was very generous with everything, including her time.

“Respected and loved by all of her colleagues, friends and family alike, due to her bubbly personality and larger-thanlife attitude, Ann will be deeply missed by all.”

Neighbours said she was a pillar of the community. Stan Fisher, who played darts with her husband, said: “She was very generous with her time.

“She was a great person. In the winter she would be out gritting the roads on Sundays.”

Stan Marsh, who sold his house to Mrs Harkes, said he remembered her for her tireless fundraising for a local hospice.

He said: “When she got home from work she would make the rounds of the street as she seemed to know everyone.

She always helped the elderly residents at the top of the road.”

A funeral service for Mrs Harker will take place today, at Thorncliffe Crematorium, in Barrow-in-Furness, at 2.30pm. All friends are welcome to attend.

Cumbria Police said a 39- year-old man from Windermere has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was bailed until June 13 while inquiries continue.

The Health and Safety Executive has also opened an investigation into the incident.

Lawrence Conway, chief executive of SLDC, said: “South Lakeland District Council would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of our colleague, who was a very valued member of staff and will be greatly missed.”