The parents of a woman killed in a car accident on Canvey told today how she touched the hearts of everyone she met.

Jane Hyams, of Laburnum Grove, died on Friday after her car came into collision with a 16-ton lorry as she drove along Canvey Way.

The 44-year-old animal lover had been due to go for a job interview at a vet on the day of the accident.

Her parents, Jean and Bernard Alexander, live in France - but are now staying on the island following the accident.

They remember Jane as kind and loving, with a bubbly personality.

Mrs Alexander said: "She always had time for other people. Jane had a heart of gold and would do anything to help you, she was very easy to get on with.

"It would not come into her head to be dishonest."

Mrs Alexander told how Jane was disabled and suffered particularly from arthritic problems and back pain, but had been determined to make the most of her life.

She had spent a lot of her childhood in Great Ormond Street Hospital and had endured serious injuries in a car accident in 1994.

Jane had been waiting outside a shop in France when another car lost control and collided with the one in which she was sitting.

Mr Alexander said: "Jane would have days of sheer agony where she could not get out of bed, and other days where she felt fine and would be up and about.

"She suffered all her life but despite one thing or another she would ride along through it."

Jane, who modelled for magazines in the past, had lived on Canvey for about 25 years.

The couple said Jane, who was divorced, was well-loved by everyone who knew her - and paid particular tribute to her close friends.

Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Mr Alexander said: "We know very little of what happened. It may be that we will find out more as time progresses."

They said their hearts went out to the driver of the lorry involved in the accident. Stanley Herrington, 54, from Harlow, was taken to Basildon Hospital and treated for shock after the collision at about 1.40pm on Friday.

Police are still appealing for witnesses. Anyone who can help is asked to contact PC Laura Heggie at Laindon traffic on 01268 541312.

Happy to help others - Jane Hyams died in a crash on Friday Tribute

Jane's mother Jean wrote this touching tribute to her daughter. She also hoped the poem would offer comfort to others grieving the loss of a loved one.

The day was clear

sky blue and bright

when suddenly came

a heavenly light.

The Lord had seen

our daughter's face

spiritual and full

of grace.

He said this world

is no place for you

with all your pain.

So bravely born

yet always helping

others.

So come with me

and an angel be

To look down on

earth to guide others.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.