The funeral of 72-year-old Joan Gover, who was killed when she drove the wrong way down the M4, will take place today.

Mrs Gover died when her Ford Escort collided head-on with a van as she drove westbound down the eastbound carriageway near junction 17 on November 27.

The 37-year-old van driver received minor injuries but fire fighters had to cut him free from his vehicle by removing the door and steering wheel.

Police suspect the woman may have overshot the Chippenham junction and done a U-turn on the carriageway.

Mrs Gover was a widow who lived on her own in Withymead Road, Marshfield. She had three sons, a daughter, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Her son, Christopher Gover, from Bradley Stoke in Bristol said she would be enormously missed by everyone who knew her.

"Friends and family will remember her as a very considerate person. Always wanting to be the first to help wherever and whenever possible."

Her lifelong friend of more than 60 years Stephanie Permial, said her friend was a very special person.

Mrs Permial, who also lives in Withymead Road, went to school with Mrs Gover at the former Kingswood Grammar School in Bristol.

"Her maiden name was Angell and I always said she was an angel. She was a lovely, kind, generous person."

Mrs Gover, was born in Bristol in 1931, the oldest of seven children. She lived in the Hanham and Cock Road areas of Bristol in her younger years and met her future husband Rayner Gover at the grammar school.

They married in 1950. Mr Gover died in 1988.

The funeral will be held at Westerleigh Crematorium today at 12.30pm.