TRIBUTES have been paid to York woman Wendy Jean Nelson, who died in a car crash last week.

Ms Nelson, 60, of Reighton Avenue, Clifton, was driving a white Kia Picanto towards York on the A63 at Cliffe, near Selby, at about 8.45pm on Sunday, May 11, when she was in collision with a BMW 3 Series travelling in the opposite direction. Ms Nelson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Joan Mitchell lived next door to Ms Nelson for more than 20 years and said she was saddened to find out about Ms Nelson's death.

She said: "On Sunday night police officers knocked on my door at about 11.45pm, they didn't know if anyone was likely to be at home. They told me there and then.

"She was a good neighbour, kind and funny and pleasant to have next door. Very helpful. I'm just shocked, it's very sad."

Another neighbour said: "She was a lovely person and kept herself to herself, but she was always very friendly, always said hello and passed the time of day."

Ms Nelson was a conveyancing assistant at Harrowells Solicitors in Haxby, and managing partner Robert Onyett yesterday paid tribute to her.

Mr Onyett said: "Wendy was a loyal and conscientious member of staff who had made many friends during her years at Harrowells.

"She had a wonderfully down to earth view of the world with a very caring heart which will be missed by all her friends and colleagues."

The Press understands Ms Nelson was returning from a visit to her sister in the Selby area when the accident occurred. A 25-year-old Selby man was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and has been released on bail.

An inquest into Ms Nelson's death was opened and adjourned yesterday.