TRIBUTES have been paid to a 20-year-old cyclist who died after a road collision in Harwich.

Stacey Turney, from Harwich, was cycling back from work at Morrisons supermarket on the A120 at about 8.30pm on Thursday night, when she was involved in a collision with a lorry.

The former Harwich School pupil suffered multiple injuries and was taken by ambulance to Colchester General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Stacey was born and raised in Clacton and the surrounding area, attending primary schools including Alton Park Primary, Walton Primary School and Ravenscroft, in Clacton.

Her family said the bubbly young woman loved the idea of working with children and had contemplated a career as a nursery nurse or social worker.

Stacey liked to keep fit and regularly went to the gym and swimming in Harwich.

Her best friend of 12 years, Kelly Smith, said she was a popular and much loved girl who will be missed by everyone in the town.

"She worked seven days a week, six days at Morrisons and every Sunday at a penny sweet shop in Harwich.

"She was such a helpful and caring girl, she would do anything for anyone. She always had a smile, always happy."

Stacey had been to Turkey twice in the last year.

Her mother, Tracey Nugent, said that Stacey had even considered moving there to work because she liked it so much.

Mrs Nugent added: "She never had a bad word to say about anybody. She enjoyed life.

"She was a very loving daughter and sister and she will be greatly missed."

It is believed both her and the white Iveco articulated lorry, driven by a 53-year-old man from Witham, were heading towards Harwich when the incident happened near Phoenix Bridge.

Police closed the A120 for five hours while they investigated the incident.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw the incident or with information to contact them at Stanway road policing unit on 0300 333 4444