A family has spoken of their grief and paid tributes "dearly loved" wife and mother who died following a motorbike crash.

Kellie Dowles, who was 41, was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge after a motorcycle accident on Sunday, April 30, at 4pm.

Kellie, who ran several businesses in Southend, was riding as a passenger on a grey BMW motorbike when it was in collision with a blue Ford Fiesta, in Bardfield Road, Braintree.

She was airlifted to the specialist hospital in Cambridge but sadly died as a result of her injuries.

The motorbike rider, believed to be her husband Andrew Dowles, 34, sustained serious injuries and was also taken to hospital.

He has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home.

The driver and passenger in the Ford Fiesta were taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries before being released.

In a statement, Kellie's family said: “Kellie was a dearly loved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend to everyone that knew her.

“Kellie worked as a florist and also ran a café with her husband.

“Alongside her floristry Kellie enjoyed spending time and travelling with her family. Kellie was also an animal lover with a particular fondness towards dogs.

“All the family members and friends greatly miss Kellie very much.”

The family request to be left alone and allowed to grieve at this very difficult time.

Kellie ran the Gift Hamper and the Flower Hamper with her sister Denise in Bridgwater Drive, Southend, as well as a café with her husband called the Munch Box, also in Bridgwater Drive.

She was well-known along the parade of shops for being friendly and always offering a helping hand.

Tributes, flowers and cards have been left in the doorway of her shops.

They describe Kellie as “beautiful inside and out” and always making people smile. The businesses have been closed since the incident.

The police have confirmed that enquiries are ongoing into the crash.