A FAMILY has paid tribute to a 'devoted' grandmother who was hit by a van and killed while walking her dog - just days before Christmas.

Carol Robson, 58, received roadside surgery and a blood transfusion but died at the scene in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, on Monday (December 21).

In a statement from the family, Ms Robson, of South Church, was described as a "a much loved mother, sister and grandmother who was devoted to her family".

They added: "She was the kind of person who would do anything for anyone and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.”

Ms Robson suffered severe injuries when she was hit on Longfield Road by a Mercedes Sprinter van at about 7.25am.

A North East Ambulance Service rapid response car attended and doctors performed an advanced surgical procedure and transfused blood but she died a short time later.

The victim’s Jack Russell dog escaped unharmed and the driver of the van, a 52-year-old man, of Bishop Auckland, was shocked but uninjured.

The road was closed for more than four hours in both directions at the Dovecot Hill junction to allow officers from the collision investigation unit to examine the scene.

No other vehicles were involved.

Offering his condolences on Monday, the Mayor of Bishop Auckland councillor Lee Brownson said: "It's really sad news, especially at this time of year just a few days before Christmas.

"And although I didn't know her personally, my thoughts and prayers go out to her family."

A spokeswoman for the North East Ambulance Service said: “Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.”

Police are now working to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the fatal collision and are keen to hear from anyone who may have any information or may have witnessed it.

Anyone with information should call Durham Constabulary on non-emergency 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.