THE family of a pensioner who was killed following a collision in Kirby Cross have paid tribute to her as a “remarkable woman” who loved life.

Vera Chaplin, 89, died following a collision between her bicycle and a Silverton Aggregates lorry, driven by Tony Smith, in Frinton Road in August 9 last year.

Smith, 46, of Bemerton Gardens, Kirby Cross, was sentenced to complete a 100 hour community order and was disqualified from driving for a year when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court today.

Ms Chaplin's niece Jenny Osborne said: "The family would like to thank everyone who has supported us during this tragic time.

"Vera was a remarkable woman whose independence and energy knew no limits. She enjoyed life and to have died in such circumstances was truly unjust.”

Steve Brewer from the Stanway road policing unit said Ms Chaplin was a regular cyclist in the Kirby and Frinton area.

He said: “This was a tragic case. The collision itself was relatively minor but the injuries sustained by Ms Chaplin sadly led to her death."

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