A coach driver has been jailed for four years for causing the deaths of two people by dangerous driving. The victims were an estate agent, described as outstanding at her job, and her partner.

Pauline Camplin was also banned from driving until 2021 after admitting two charges.

The crash killed Canterbury estate agent Rachel Francis, 38,  of Ward & Partners, and her 40-year-old partner, Bryan Webster.

The court heard how the National Express coach – with 50 passengers on board – had gone into the path of oncoming cars.

Mr Webster died at the scene – on the second anniversary of his father’s death – and Ms Francis, who was celebrating her 38^th birthday, later died from her injuries. Her firm has paid touching and emotional tribute to her, describing how she brought out the very best in people.

John Fitzgerald, defending, said Camplin was genuinely remorseful and wished she could turn back the clocks.

“July 10 was a day of tragedy for all those concerned,” he said.

In a letter to the victims’ families, the coach driver said: “I want to take this opportunity to say how truly sorry I am for my part in the accident.

“If I could change the events of that day I would. Unfortunately I can’t. I cannot begin to imagine how you must be feeling at this time and all you have had to deal with for the past year.

“Unfortunately those few seconds of that terrible accident are a blank. I can’t offer an explanation. It is something that will live with me for as long as I live.”

Judge Adele Williams said Camplin had shown “genuine remorse” but will have to live with the consequences of what she had done for the rest of her life.

The judge said Ms Francis was “a loving and much loved daughter whose loss is hard to bear” and a valued friend and work colleague.