Great-grandmother, 78, died after she was hit by a Tesco delivery lorry

THE heart-broken family of a great-grandmother who died when she was hit by Tesco delivery lorry are demanding answers over her tragic death.

Barbara Mary Wheeldon, 78, died after she was struck by the lorry which was leaving a Tesco Express delivery yard on June 27 at 10.50am.

Her son Colin Wheeldon, 51, said: "There is not a lot we know, we are communicating with the police, they are keeping us up to date with any new information."

Mrs Wheeldon was hit in Twyford Road, Jersey Farm in St Albans, Herts., just yards from her home.

The "wonderful mother" leaves behind her two sons, daughters-in-law and a great granddaughter.

A spokesman for Herts police said: "The circumstances of the collision are unclear, but it appears that a Tesco delivery lorry was exiting the delivery yard of the Tesco Express, when it was in collision with a 78-year-old lady.

"The air ambulance attended the scene but sadly the lady died as a result of the injuries she had suffered in the collision."

In a statement her sons Brian and Colin, said: "Mum was a wonderful mother - she always put us first and would often worry about us, always checking to see if we were ok.

"She was so caring that she gave up work to care for her father who had dementia in his later years.

"After Grandpa died mum became a respite carer for people with dementia in St Albans. She was so selfless and loving and genuinely wanted to help people.

"Faith and the church were also very prevalent in mum's life and she regularly attended the Baptist Free Church in Marshalswick.

"When she was not busy caring for others mum would relax with a book. She was a prolific reader who regularly visited the local library and would also source books from local charity shops."

Mrs Wheeldon had lived in Evans Grove in St Albans until 2008 before downsizing to a property on Jersey Farm.

The brothers added: "We are still trying to come to terms with this tragedy and what has happened to our mother, who was also a much loved mother-in-law, grandmother and friend."

A spokesman for Tesco said: "We were saddened to hear of this terrible news. We are working closely with the police at this difficult time, and are carrying out a full investigation."