THE son of a woman killed when she was knocked down while using a pedestrian crossing has paid tribute to his "wonderful, kind and generous mother".

Audrey Elizabeth Whaley's Christmas presents remained unopened at her home in Stockton, Teesside, after the accident on Sunday.

The 78-year-old was hit by a Toyota Corolla in Durham Road, near its junction with Darlington Lane, at the Mile House traffic signals, in Stockton.

Her son, Colin Whaley, said she had gone out to buy a newspaper and never returned.

He had arrived at his mother's house from his Sheffield home to drop off her gifts.

"The presents are still in her bedroom unopened, it was just a terrible shock. I am just so relieved that I was coming home to see her and was able to be here when she died," he said.

"She was busy preparing a Sunday dinner for us because we were spending the day with her.

She simply nipped to the shop to pick up a paper and never came back. The whole family is devastated and trying to come to terms with our loss.

"My mother was a wonderful, kind and generous woman, who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her."

Colin and his sister, Sandra Davison, who have lost both of their parents in the last 18 months, are trying to remain strong for their children.

"We determined to try to enjoy Christmas as best as we can,"

said Mr Whaley. "We have to be strong for the grandchildren.

"We still don't know exactly what happened, whether it was my mother's fault or the driver's.

The police are investigating the accident and we are waiting to find out what caused the crash.

"The whole family is still in shock and it will take a long time for it to really sink in."

Emergency services rushed to the accident shortly after 9am, on Sunday, but Mrs Whaley was declared dead at the scene.

Police believe the car was travelling towards Stockton town centre when the collision happened.

Road traffic investigators are seeking witnesses and are keen to speak to the drivers and passengers of two cars that were travelling behind the Toyota at the time of the accident.

Witnesses are asked to call PC Christopher Rose, of Cleveland Police's road policing unit, on 01642-301552.

Sunday's tragedy came only hours after a Stockton man died after being knocked off his bicycle.

Russell Graham died 11 days after suffering severe head injuries when he was involved in a collision with a silver VW Polo at 8.10pm, on Tuesday, December 11, in Yarm Lane at the junction with Outram Street.

The 39-year-old died in James Cook University Hospital, on Saturday night.

Anyone with information relating to this accident is asked to call PC Richard Hawkins, of the Road Policing Unit, on 01642- 301552.