THE family of a Ryedale woman who was killed after being hit by a car outside her home has been left devastated.

Joanna Rookes, 35, of Newbiggin, Malton, suffered serious injuries and died at the scene after the horrific accident on Sunday at 7.45pm.

Her parents, Rob and Carol Rookes, of Smithson Court, Malton, have three other daughters, Julie, Gina and Janine.

Speaking on behalf of Miss Rookes' family, the Roman Catholic parish priest of Malton, Father Tim Bywater, said: "Joanna was very well liked and highly regarded at work, and by all who knew her.

"She was the person everyone turned to and relied on.

"She was much-loved by her family, who are all devastated by their tragic loss."

Floral tributes with heartfelt messages have been left outside Miss Rookes' Newbiggin home.

A card left with one of the many bouquets of flowers read "always in our hearts".

A football scarf was also left with the blooms.

North Yorkshire Police said the accident happened after Miss Rookes parked her silver Ford Sierra at Newbiggin facing in the direction of Malton town centre.

When she got out, she was struck by a blue Vauxhall Nova.

A blue Peugeot 306 travelling in the opposite direction then collided with the Vauxhall.

Fred Poad, of Newbiggin, said that the road had been very busy on Sunday night.

"The traffic was diverted and there were police and ambulance everywhere. They diverted traffic along Wentworth Street."

A Newbiggin resident, who did not want to be named, said: "Me and my boyfriend were in the attic and we heard a big bang.

"My boyfriend thought it sounded like a wheelie bin being knocked over - there was no smashing glass or anything.

"Ten minutes later, we heard sirens and saw flashing lights. We came outside as the police car was turning up.

"The car was... at the side of the pavement with its front wheels on the pavement and its back wheels on the road.

"The girl was underneath it. And then the fire crew and ambulance turned up."

A vigil service will be held on Sunday at 6pm.

Her funeral will take place at St Leonard's Church, Malton, on Monday at noon, followed by an interment ceremony at Malton cemetery.

Police have appealed for any witnesses to the accident or to the manner in which either of the vehicles were driven before the collision to come forward.

Witnesses should contact TC851 Mark Gonella on (01723) 509662.

Updated: 10:38 Wednesday, January 07, 2004