THE family of a grandmother who died in a car crash have paid tribute to “a truly special lady”.

Maureen Moulton, 72, of Greensted Road, Loughton, died when the Mitsubishi Pajero, she was a rear-seat passenger in was involved in a collision with a motorcycle driven by 45-year-old Denroy Dixon, from Harlow.

In a statement her family said: “So tragically taken on Sunday, August 16, aged nearly 73, dearly loved devoted wife of Jim, and grandmother to Aaron, Ashley, Luke, Jimmy, Joshua, Elisia, Daniella, Tommy, Charlie, and Sonny.

“A wonderful mother to Andy, Micky, Chrisy, Sharon, Jacky and Sandra and mother in law to Steve, Georgina, Gordon, Meagan and Tricia.

“An ever-present cheerfulness and reassurance, a truly special lady who will be so terribly missed by all her family and friends. Dedicated to the British Lung Foundation: Breathe Easy, Mum was always with a smile and a giggle always there for us all and never far away wherever we might be.”

A tribute release by Mr Dixon's family said:“Denroy Orlando Dixon, aged 45, was a caring father, a loving son and a protective brother, a man who put family first. He was very outgoing and charismatic, working as a kitchen fitter, but showing strong abilities and accomplishments within many other areas.”

The fatal road crash occurred at the junction of London Road, and Shonks Mill Road, in Stanford Rivers, at 2.30pm on Sunday.

Anyone with information is asked to call Chigwell road policing unit on 0300 333 4444.