THE husband of Rosemary Thomas, who was struck down by a car outside a wedding reception, has spoken of his final moments with his "kind and loving" wife.

The 72-year-old, from Leckhampton, died after being hit by a Citroen Xsara Picasso as she crossed the road outside Flanesford Priory, near Goodrich, on Friday evening.

Her husband Ray said the 72-year-old, known as Rose, had enjoyed a "fantastic" day.

"I just want people to know that Rose didn't suffer, she was laughing and joking before it happened, she was smiling right up until the end. That sums up my Rose," he said.

The couple had spent Friday celebrating a wedding with old friends and family.

It is believed Mrs Thomas was walking back to the Inn on the Wye where she was staying for the night when the incident happened at around 9pm.

She was taken to Hereford Hospital but died at 1am on Saturday.

Born in 1938, Mrs Thomas had two older sisters and lived in Bourton-on-the-Hill during her early life.

She moved to Cheltenham in 1954 where she met her husband. They were married at St Paul's Church in Cheltenham in 1958.

The couple enjoyed spending time with their family.

"Rose and I loved to see all our friends and family. We have lots of nieces and nephews and now great-nieces and great-nephews," said Mr Thomas.

They also have six godchildren.

"Rose was a very happy and contented person," Mr Thomas added. "She loved being in the garden, we loved walking, we would always walk into Cheltenham.

"She was a lovely, kind person who never had a bad word to say about anyone. She was always happy and loved by everyone who knew her."

Mr Thomas said: "Rose had had a fantastic day on Friday; we had been at a wedding reception where we met with lots of old friends and family.

"She spent the day chatting and laughing like she always did."

Last night Flanesford Priory owner Nigel Roper said her death was a tragic accident.

The Citroen was travelling along the B4229 from the direction of Goodrich towards Kerne Bridge.

The driver of the Citroen was uninjured

The Herefordshire coroner opened an inquest into Mrs Thomas' death on Tuesday and it was adjourned.

Mrs Thomas' funeral will be held at Cheltenham Crematorium on September 16 at 2pm, then afterwards at Churchdown Club.

Donations should be made to the head injuries charity, Headway House.