A MOTORCYCLIST involved in a fatal road accident died on her 45th birthday in the hospital where she was born.

Alison Lee of Chard was riding to work at the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office in Taunton when her motorcycle was involved in a crash with a Volvo V70 and Mini Cooper in Lisieux Way, near Buckland St Mary.

Her father, Ernie Lee, said: "Making maps was the only thing she ever wanted to do, apart from owning a motorcycle, which she has had since she was 18. She really enjoyed her work and meeting up with friends with whom she went skittling.

"Alison was a wonderful daughter who will be sadly missed by family and friends. It is so ironic that she died on her birthday and in Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton where she was born."

At the Hydrographic Office, which Alison joined in January 1984, the flag was flown at half mast last week.

A statement from the office said Alison was a highly motivated, dedicated and spirited member of staff.

The statement continued: "Her death has come as a great shock to all who worked with her, and she will be remembered as popular, well thought of and respected by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her, and particularly by her many friends and colleagues in the Defence team.

"She will be deeply missed, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to her family and close friends at this time."

The flag will again be at half mast on the day of Alison's funeral, which is being held on Wednesday at noon at Taunton Crematorium.

Mr Lee and his wife Joan of Coombe Street, Chard, issued a following their bereavement.

It said: "Alison lived in Chard all her life, attending Manor Court Junior and Holyrood Comprehensive Schools. She loved music, photography and exploring the countryside. Her special hobby was science fiction films and TV. She travelled around the country joining friends at conventions and meeting actors, writers, costume designers etc who work in the media."

They said she had spent all her working life in various departments of the Hydrographic Office after taking a gap year when she left secondary school. A career in cartography had always been her ambition.

He said Alison, their only child, had visited them the Sunday before the accident to take her mother to Forde Abbey to see the snowdrops. Afterwards they had enjoyed a meal out together.

They have requested no flowers, but for donations to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance which was called to the accident scene and flew Alison to hospital.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the accident which happened at around 7.50am on Tuesday, March 9.

Anyone in the area at the time is asked to contact the collision investigation unit on 0845 4567000.