The woman who died after her car was in a head-on collision with a lorry near Market Drayton was today named by police as Mrs Irene Wilkinson.

The 66-year-old, from Cheshire, was critically injured in the smash on the A53 Hodnet bypass near Tern Hill just before 11.20am on Tuesday.

Mid and North Shropshire coroner Mr John Ellery was expected to open an inquest on Mrs Wilkinson this afternoon.

Police are now waiting for the results of a post mortem examination.West Mercia Police spokesman Richard Ewels said: “The woman who died in the accident has been identified as Mrs Irene Wilkinson, aged 66, who lived at Upton, The Wirral, in Cheshire.

“A post mortem examination has been held and an inquest is due to be opened this afternoon and expected to be adjourned to a later date.”

Firefighters managed to free Mrs Wilkinson from her grey Citroen C4 after the crash and she was airlifted by the county air ambulance to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire but pronounced dead on arrival.

Crews from Hodnet, Market Drayton and Prees attended the scene, along with the rescue tender from Wellington and an incident commander.

Emergency service personnel on the scene described the damage suffered by both vehicles as “devastating”.

The driver of a white Mercedes Sprinter flatbed lorry, which overturned in the smash, was taken to the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford suffering from shock and a suspected fractured ankle.

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses.

Call officers on 08457 444888.