THE family of a great grandmother who died in a road accident have spoken of their loss.

Mother-of-12 Betty Cooper, 86, was killed minutes after celebrating the 30th wedding anniversary of her son, Barry, and his wife, Patricia.

She was being helped across the road in Thornaby, Teesside, when all three were hit by a BMW convertible.

Tyre-maker Barry, 55, and Patricia, 54, a care assistant, were yesterday said to be stable after suffering severe abdominal, head and leg injuries.

Another son, Steven, said the family were struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

He said: "Everyone has been devastated by this.

"Saturday night was a happy family occasion to celebrate Barry and Patricia's wedding anniversary.

"Everybody had a wonderful time and my mother thoroughly enjoyed herself.

"Age was no barrier to her having fun and she was never happier than when surrounded by all her sons, daughters and grandchildren.

"She was known by everyone in the area as Nana Cooper, a woman always ready with a smile and a word. She was just so full of life.

"Barry and Patricia were taking her to a taxi when they were hit by a car.

"We have been left in total shock and just numbed by it all.

"One minute, everyone is full of life; and the next minute, our lives have been decimated."

Inquiries are still continuing into the events leading up to the accident, and detectives want to speak to anyone who knows the whereabouts of the car or driver.

The car was described as a green Ascot Three Series BMW convertible, made in about 1998.

Police appealed for anyone with information to call (01642) 302234.

* Police have arrested two women from Thornaby, aged 20 and 22, in connection with the incident.

They were being questioned by detectives last night.