THE family of a Chester woman who was killed in a car crash have paid tribute to her “strong and organisational character”.

Celia Elizabeth Ross, 49, from Toll Bar Road, Christleton, “changed the lives of many children” in her role as IT teacher at Bankfield School, Widnes.

She was on her way to the school, at 9.50am on Thursday August 24, when her blue Ford Mondeo was hit by two men driving a silver Vauxhall Vectra on Liverpool Road, Widnes.

The men, a 20-year-old and a 23-year-old from the Liverpool area, were arrested as they tried to flee the scene.

A statement released by Celia’s family told how she was a single mum to three children whom she adored, and she was also the main carer for her 81-year-old father.

It read: “A very strong and organisational character and always up for a party, Celia lived her life to the full. She enjoyed taking part in walks for charity, and enjoyed camping, especially at Glastonbury-type music events with friends and family. Celia went to see Jon Bon Jovi in Manchester earlier this year, and loved music in general. Celia's favourite flower was the sunflower. She dreamed of moving to France to grow sunflowers and be near friends who had moved to the region.

“Born in Glasgow, Celia kept her strong Scottish accent. She spent her early years in Glasgow and started to work for BT. Celia transferred with BT to the Chester area to be near her family who had moved some years earlier. She eventually left the company after 27 years, having worked her way up to being a Customer Service Manager.

“Celia then achieved her dream of becoming a teacher, having completed an Open University degree and becoming a Bachelor Of Sciences (BSc) in IT, Celia completed placements and attended Liverpool Hope University before qualifying as an IT teacher. She changed the lives of many children by her creative teaching methods and school trips that she organised.

“Celia leaves two daughters, a son, two sisters, five brothers and her elderly father. She will be sadly missed by all her family, and the staff and pupils at Bankfield School, Widnes, and all who knew her.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision, and anybody who saw a silver Vauxhall Vectra in the Appleton Village vicinity in the time prior to the collision.

Anyone with information should contact 0845 458 0000 or information can be left anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.