TRIBUTES have been pouring in for 37-year-old Malmesbury woman Angela Eldridge, who was killed in a road accident at Callows Hill in Brinkworth.

Ms Eldridge was returning home from her job at Barnes Travel in Aldbourne, near Marlborough, at 5.30pm last Wednesday when her Ford Fiesta car was hit on the B4042 by a roadsweeping vehicle, which had been in collision with a heavy goods vehicle.

The 49-year-old driver of the road sweeper was arrested by police at the scene and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Ms Eldridge's father, Geoffrey Eldridge, 67, said at the family home in Aldbourne: "It is totally devastating. You do not expect to have to bury your own children."

He said: "Somebody had rung us from Malmesbury to say Angela was not home from work that evening.

"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."

Managing director of Barnes Coaches, Lionel Barnes, said: "Everyone at Barnes Coaches is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of Angela Eldridge.

"Angie worked for nearly ten years in the office in Aldbourne. She was mainly responsible for the day excursion programme, but was willing to help in other areas of the business.

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

Ms Eldridge's neighbours in Park Road, Malmesbury, where she lived for three years, remember her as a shy but friendly person.

Karen Deacon, 37, of Park Road, said: "We talked when she would go to work in the morning or in the garden. I still can't believe it happened.

"She was a very private and quiet person but a very good neighbour and you knew if you needed anything you just had to ask.

"She made her garden look lovely and always took a lot of time over it."

Ms Eldridge was brought up in Aldbourne with her parents, Geoffrey and Patricia and brother Richard, 33. She attended school in Aldbourne and then Marlborough.

She studied business at Swindon College and worked at Abbey National Building Society in Swindon where she lived before moving to Malmesbury.

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