FAMILY tributes have been paid to a mother-of-four who died after being struck by a lorry last weekend.

Kelly Bennett, 36, from Rochester Road, Stockton, died as a result of a collision, apparently while walking on the inside lane of the A690 dual carriageway, at Rainton Gate, near Durham, early on Saturday morning.

Durham Police said she appeared to be heading on the westbound carriageway of the A690, from West Rainton in the direction of the Ramside Hall Hotel, in nearby Carrville.

The incident took place shortly after 2.30am, when she was struck from behind by a Volvo truck.

The 29-year-old truck driver and his two passengers were all said to be unhurt.

Speaking today (Tuesday May 12), Ms Bennett’s mother, Patricia Bowmer, said her daughter had been a popular figure with many friends, not only in Stockton, but also in the Bearpark and Sherburn Road areas of Durham, where she grew up.

“Kelly loved socialising, playing bingo and having late night chats with her niece, Danielle.

“She was a loving mum who was immensely proud of her four children and loved spending time with them, helping them with their homework, going to the park and generally having fun with them.

“She also loved chatting with her friends on social media.

“This tragedy has left us all distraught and we are devastated she is no longer with us.”

Ms Bennett leaves sons Kieran, 15, Lewis, 14, and 11-year-old Nathan, plus ten-year-old daughter Lucy.

Police have appealed for witnesses to ring Durham Police’s collision investigation unit, on 101.