FRIENDS and family have paid hearfelt tributes to a Gwynedd nurse who died in a crash at Penrhos near Pwllheli.

Mother-of-one Rebecca Louise Edwards, 34, from Llanberis, died following a collision on the A499 on Friday evening, 21 December.

Paying tribute her family said; “We have lost such a precious and beautiful lady. Rebecca was a happy, funny and bubbly 34-year -old who touched everyone she met with her loving caring nature.

“She was a dedicated nurse at Ysbyty Gwynedd and had recently ventured into opening her own business.

“She was a daughter, granddaughter, sister, mother and friend who will be missed by everyone who knew her. Her partner, daughter, family and friends were the centre of her life.

“She had an amazing future ahead of her before being stolen from us. Rebecca would be described as a very special lady by all who knew her and will leave a great hole that can never be filled.”

Colleagues at Ysbyty Gwynedd also paid tribute.

Martin Jones, Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Hospital Director, said: “On behalf of the staff at the hospital, and across the wider Health Board, I would extend our sincere condolences to Rebecca’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“Rebecca was a passionate nurse and a valued member of the Conwy Ward team at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

“Rebecca joined Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Surgical Admissions Unit in 2011 and was compassionate, caring and kind to all she came into contact with.

“Colleagues were deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of a much loved colleague who will be sorely missed.

“Staff at the hospital, and our colleagues in the Welsh Ambulance Service, have provided tremendous peer support at this difficult time.

"The Health Board has arranged, and will continue to provide, other support arrangements for Rebecca’s immediate colleagues and others affected by this tragedy.”

• Osian Hicks-Thomas, 20, of West End,Criccieth, has been charged with causing the death of Rebecca Louise Edwards by dangerous driving.

He is also charged with drink-driving, failing to stop and failing to report an accident.

District judge Gwyn Jones at Llandudno court on Monday remanded him in custody until 14 January when he is due to appear at Caernarfon Crown Court.