TRIBUTES have been paid to a "caring and gentle" charity volunteer who died after being hit by a lorry.

Karen Gillanders, 41, was in collision with a white Volvo articulated lorry on King Street, Aberdeen, on Monday morning.

Speaking on behalf of her family, mother Elizabeth said: "Karen was a beloved daughter, sister, sister-in-law, auntie, niece and cousin.

"She was a kind, caring and gentle person who was always well-dressed and girly by nature.

"In the last few years, she had carried out voluntary work at the Marie Curie charity shop, which she enjoyed very much.

Police have appealed for witnesses to the collision, which occurred at approximately 9.10am.

Inspector Ian Kirkwood said: "We are keen to trace a male who may have witnessed the collision and who was crossing from the east pavement to the west pavement immediately prior to the collision.

"He was wearing a dark-coloured, short-sleeved T-shirt and dark trousers, a rucksack and carrying a jacket in his right hand.

"We are also looking to speak to a female who was walking towards the pedestrian crossing on the west pavement. She is described as wearing dark clothing and possibly carrying a small white bag."