THE best friend of a mum-of-five who died in a crash on Saturday has paid tribute to her.

Joanne Bailey-Collinge was driving her black Volkswagen Polo on Bickershaw Lane in Abram just after 5.45pm when she was involved in a collision with a silver Mercedes C220 saloon and a grey Volkswagen Amarok.

The 34-year-old was taken to hospital but passed away some time later.

Her death is at the centre of police investigation in which two people appeared at court today, Tuesday.

Joseph Pownall, of no fixed address, has been charged with manslaughter, causing death by dangerous driving and kidnap.

The 26-year-old has also been charged with two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Steven Fairclough, 42, also of no fixed address, is charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and will appear in court too.

They both appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court today where the case has been transferred to Bolton Crown Court for a trial, which is due to start on May 20.

They have been remanded in custody.

READ - Two men charged after mum-of-five killed in crash

Mum-of-four Rebecca Brooker, 34, knew Joanne for more than 20 years, after going to Bedford High School in Leigh together.

She said: "It has been upsetting for everyone.

"I have found it very hard as I have lost my best friend.

"Joanne had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone even if she didn't know them.

"She was such a nice person and has always been there for me.

"Joanne has helped me through a lot and recently, when I had a serious arm injury, she looked after my kids and took me to hospital.

"She was absolutely amazing and was so loved by everybody.

"She treated my children like her own.

"I was only messaging Joanne an hour before the incident and went straight to the hospital when I heard about what had happened.

"She is going to be missed.

"As friends of Joanne we have all been trying to pull together."

One of Joanne's other friends Vikki Parker, has set up a crowdfunding page to support Joanne's family which has raised more than £2,100.

She added: "Everyone in Abram is distraught.

"Joanne was so well liked and all the kids loved her.

"She always had a smile on her face and spoke to everyone."

To donate to the crowdfunding page in aid of Joanne's family click here.

A 13-year-old girl and a 29-year-old man travelling in the Polo were taken to hospital with serious injuries, where they remain in a stable condition.

A four-year-old girl also in the Polo was taken to hospital for less serious injuries. She has since been released from hospital.