The son of a pensioner who died after being knocked down by a van has paid tribute to his “dearly-loved” mother.

Emelie Buckner, 78, was killed while out walking her beloved dog, Julie, in Oakwood Hill, Loughton, at 7.30am on October 10.

Her son Nigel said she was well-known in the area and will be missed by many.

Mr Buckner said: “My mum was down-to-earth, but outgoing. Her generous nature won her many friends and she will be terribly missed.

"She was a dearly-loved mother, sister and grandmother; and a true friend to all who knew her.”
Mr Buckner said his mother was a great believer in learning and was a published poet.

She studied Italian and French and had impressed her family in recent years by becoming a keen and competent computer user.

The retired nurse and a teacher was also a member of a choir and led a history and book groups.
A 22-year-old man arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving is on police bail until January 27.

Anyone with information in connection with this fatal road crash is urged to contact police.