TRIBUTES have been pouring in for 37-year-old coach company worker Angela Eldridge, who was killed in a road accident while on her way home from her job in Aldbourne.

Ms Eldridge, who had worked for Barnes Travel in Aldbourne for the past ten years, was travelling on the B4042 at Callows Hill, Brinkworth, at 5.30pm on Wednesday when her Ford Fiesta car was in collision with a roadsweeping vehicle.

Police said that moments earlier the roadsweeper had been in collision with a lorry. The 49-year-old driver of the road sweeper was arrested and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Police called at the home of Ms Eldridge's parents, Patricia and Geoffrey, at The Garlings, Aldbourne, later on Wednesday evening to break the tragic news.

"It is totally devastating," said Mr Eldridge, 67. "You do not expect to have to bury your own children."

He remembered his growing concern when he heard that his daughter had not arrived at her home in Park Road, Malmesbury, on Wednesday night.

"Somebody had rung us from Malmesbury to say Angela was not home from work," said Mr Eldridge. "At about 9pm there was a report on the TV about a serious road accident.

"We tried to phone the traffic department but as I did so I noticed a police woman coming down the drive."

Ms Eldridge was brought up in Aldbourne with her brother Richard, 33, and attended school in the village and then Marlborough. She was married for a short while but was divorced ten years ago.

She moved to Malmesbury three years ago, but continued with her job at Barnes Coaches, where she was mainly responsible for the day excursion programme.

Managing director Lionel Barnes said everyone at the firm was deeply shocked and saddened by the tragedy.

"Angie was always cheerful, reliable and conscientious, and won the hearts of passengers and colleagues alike," he said. "We will miss her very much."

Mr Eldridge said the family had been overwhelmed by the support they have received.

"It has been absolutely amazing the amount of letters and cards we have received," he said. "It has been a source of tremendous support for us."