Tributes to dog walker killed by car

The family of a woman who died after being knocked down by a car as she walked a dog in a South Staffordshire village said today they had lost "the love of our lives".

Brenda Wilson, aged 62, was a popular teacher and was described as "innovative, exciting and energetic" during her successful career.

She was struck by a silver Audi convertible as she and a friend walked the Yorkshire terrier along the A458 Bridgnorth Road at Stourton at 10.30am on Thursday.

The mother-of-two, of Meddins Lane, Kinver, suffered head injuries. The dog, which belonged to her friend, also did not survive.

Today her family paid tribute to her, saying she was a former headteacher at St Anne's Middle School in Bewdley which shut several years ago as part of a reorganisation of Wyre Forest schools.

Mrs Wilson had been teaching for many years, in Birmingham, Stourport and Bewdley. She was currently teaching at King Charles School in Kidderminster.

Her children, Laura and Edward Davies, and husband Michael Wilson said she enjoyed her job and was loved by children, parents, family and friends.

In a joint statement, they said: "She was the love of our lives and we are completely overwhelmed with grief." They added that she was "an innovative, exciting and energetic teacher, who inspired both her pupils and her colleagues."

Mrs Wilson's funeral will take place at St Anne's Church in Bewdley, although a date has not been set.

Her friend, who has not been named, was treated for minor head and arm injuries.

A 53-year-old woman from Shropshire was arrested in connection with the collision. She has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information about the collision should ring Sgt Jim Harkness from Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 4455, quoting incident number 239 of August 4.