NEIGHBOURS were still in shock today after the death of a kind, loving woman, who was struck by traffic lights after they were uprooted in a car collision.

North Yorkshire Police have named the victim as Pamela Kirby, 67, from Rawcliffe, York - a much-loved grandmother, mother-of-three and friend to many.

She died after a 4x4 vehicle crashed into railings and a traffic lights pole outside Harrogate Exhibition Centre, in King's Road, Harrogate, at about 3.40pm on Tuesday, knocking over the lights which hit Mrs Kirby.

She was taken to Harrogate Hospital with serious head injuries and died shortly afterwards.

Neighbours last night paid tribute to a warm-hearted, friendly woman.

Nina Richardson, who had known Mrs Kirby for more than 30 years, said she was shaken by the loss of her friend.

She said she had been spending the day in Harrogate with her daughter, Joanne, when the accident happened.

"She was very much a family person," she said.

"Her three children, Louise, Joanne and Andrew, are all grown up now, and she had two grandchildren and another one on the way.

"I have known her since the children were born. We got closer as the years went on.

"She was very kind to me when my husband died five years ago," she said.

"She loved walking and went out quite a lot. She was friendly with everyone. She has lived around here since she married her husband, Dennis."

As well as being a keen rambler, Mrs Kirby, who lived on her own following the death of her husband, liked to stay fit and was also a keen gardener.

"We are a close-knit neighbourhood, very supportive. We all look out for one another and she kept an eye on me," said Mrs Richardson, 90.

The driver and passenger of the 4x4, a silver Suzuki Vitara, were also taken to Harrogate Hospital. The driver was badly hurt, but his injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

Witnesses of the accident should phone PC 124 David Priestley on 0845 6060247.

Updated: 10:25 Thursday, December 08, 2005