TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'gifted' nurse who died following a horror crash.

Debbie Hewitt, 47, from Wrexham, had been in a critical condition at the Countess of Chester Hospital since the accident happened just after 8pm last Wednesday.

But Cheshire Police announced on Friday morning that she died during the night.

It is believed Mrs Hewitt had been travelling to work at Prospect House Nursing Home in High Street, Malpas, where she was due to cover a night shift.

But her green Ford Focus was involved in a collision with another car near the junction with Ebnal Lane.

A statement issued from Prospect House read: "With great sorrow we announce that following a car accident on Wednesday evening Sister Debbie Hewitt died of her injuries on Thursday night.

“For the last nine years Debbie has been leader of our night care team.

“She was an especially gifted nurse and was universally admired and loved by all staff and residents.

“On behalf of everyone we extend our heartfelt sympathy to her husband Gary and her two girls.”

Cathy Reynolds, chair of Malpas Parish Council, believes it is the second fatality on the same stretch of road in recent years and has campaigned for better road safety in the area.

She said: “This is a very dangerous stretch of road.

“A couple of years ago there was another tragic incident when a lorry collided with another vehicle and burst into flames.

“And given that Malpas is such a small place it’s a big deal that it’s happened again. It’s so sad to hear what’s happened now.

“It’s especially upsetting because she was a nurse and had a worthwhile job at such an important local establishment.

“She will have been well known and respected by Prospect House residents and families.”

Cheshire Police are still appealing for witnesses to the incident which also involved a silver Landrover Discovery driven by a 42-year-old woman.

Anyone with information can call traffic police on 0845 458 0000.