Family pay tribute to 'cherished' woman hit by van

Cheryl Decarteret died in hospital on Thursday from her injuries

The family of a woman who died after being hit by a van say she was "loved and cherished by many".

Cheryl Decarteret, 79, died in hospital on Thursday after the white transit van collided with her and another woman in Melksham in Wiltshire at about 13:30 BST on Saturday.

Her best friend, Margaret Shaw, also in her 70s, remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said.

Ms Decarteret's family said: "She will be greatly missed and has left a massive hole in our close family."

In a statement issued by Wiltshire Police, her family said: "Cheryl was a much-loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

"She was born in Bradford-on-Avon and grew up in Holt before moving to Melksham. She was loved and cherished by many.

"Cheryl started working at Avon Rubber when she was just 18-years-old, working alongside her best friend Margaret Shaw who was also critically injured in the incident and is still fighting for her life in hospital."

The statement said Ms Decarteret loved gardening and was active in the local community helping others with shopping, appointments and laundry.

She leaves behind a son, two daughters, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

"She enjoyed spending time with her family and would often holiday with them," her family added.

"We will love and miss her forever."

Wiltshire Police said a 25-year-old man from Melksham had been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drugs after the incident in Lowbourne.

He has since been bailed.