The family of the driver who died on Loddiswell Hill last week have paid tribute to their “devoted mum”.

Valeria Lugger, 68, was killed when her car left the road at the bottom of Loddiswell Hill on Thursday, July 6. The family have released the following tribute:

“Valerie was born to loving parents Jean (deceased) and Russell Baker. She attended Modbury Primary School and Ivybridge Secondary School.

“She met Phylis Allen, nee Broadhead, at primary school and they remained good friends until Phylis’ death a few years ago.

“After leaving school Valerie worked as a machinist in a baby clothes factory.

“Her love of making clothes continued throughout her life. She would often make something new to wear, a Fair Week outfit and even a nativity costume for her children.

“Valerie also worked as a mealtime assistant at Aveton Gifford and West Alvington Primary Schools; a role she really enjoyed.

“She was a loving, caring and devoted mum to Paul and Carrie, and gran to Miles and Chloe.

“Valerie lived in Loddiswell for the past 25 years and was a well-known and much-liked member of the community.

“In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, swimming, playing bowls, bingo and day trips on the local bus.

“She will be greatly missed and is survived by her father Russell, children Paul and Carrie and her grandchildren Miles and Chloe.

“The funeral service is to be confirmed. For further details please contact Kingsbridge Funeral Directors on 01548 856340. The family have requested family flowers only. Any donations should be made to the funeral directors.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision which they believe could have happened at any time during the day.

Officers had been carrying out a search to locate the woman who was reported missing at 6.30pm having failed to return home earlier in the day.

The road was closed for seven hours for officers from the Alliance Roads Policing Team to carry out an examination of the scene and for the vehicle to be recovered.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information about the incident is asked to contact police via [email protected] or by phone on 101, quoting log number 1063 of 06/07/17.