THE woman killed in Wednesday's coach crash near Heathrow Airport was in Swindon enjoying herself on New Year's Eve.

Chris Toner, 76, from Monifieth, Dundee, died when the London to Aberdeen National Express overturned on a slip road from the M4 to the M25.

Just days before, she and her 80-year-old husband, former professional footballer Jimmy had been at the Westcott Place Club to see in 2007 with their friend Joan Taylor, of Peter Furkins Court, Wescott Place.

Mrs Taylor, 76, spoke to her friend on Wednesday morning to say her goodbye - but never thought it would be the last time they would speak.

"When I found out what had happened I was absolutely devastated," she said.

"I felt ill when I heard the news. I just can't believe that Chris was here one minute and then not the next."

The double-decker left London Victoria at 10.30pm on Wednesday night and was due to arrive in Aberdeen at 10.30am on Thursday, stopping at Heathrow Airport, Carlisle, Hamilton, Glasgow and Dundee.

But just before its Heathrow pick-up point the bus crashed. The 69 people on board the bus were taken to hospital.

Two died as result of their injuries while others remain in a serious condition, including Mr Toner, an ex-Dundee and Leeds footballer, who suffered serious head injuries.

"If only they hadn't got on this bus," said Mrs Taylor.

"Most years they go back to Scotland for Hogmanay but this year they didn't and all I wish is that they had left Swindon earlier and this wouldn't have happened."

The couple had been in the town visiting family and had decided to spend New Year with Mrs Taylor.

"We had a great night at the club," she said. "We were up dancing and singing, having a really good time.

"Whenever they came to Swindon I took them to the club because they loved it."

The two women had been best friends for 15 years after meeting when Mrs Taylor was babysitting Mrs Toner's granddaughter. "She was a lovely lady, she really was," said Mrs Taylor.

"She was so smart, she always looked wonderful. She bought a beautiful silver dress when she was here this time. That's what she was like, always looking out for nice things.

"Chris was my very, very dear friend and I'm going to miss her so much.

"We both loved the bingo and every time she came to Swindon we used to go off and have a game together, lots of people knew her because she was so friendly."

"I'm just waiting for news about Jimmy now and I'm hoping he's going to be okay."

The driver of the coach has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was bailed yesterday. National Express has withdrawn all of its double-decker buses from its fleet.