ONE of the best swimmers that Hereford has produced has died in a road accident on the Welsh border.

Joanna Greensmith was a county champion and regarded as an inspiration by fellow Hereford Swimming Club members.

The 26-year-old died after her car was involved in a collision at 6.50am on Monday on the A465 at Llangua.

Emergency teams were called but Joanna, from Pontrilas, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The former student of Aylestone and Hereford Sixth Form College went on to become an associate dentist at Canton Dental Care in Cardiff.

Her family released a short statement on Tuesday describing their loss.

It read: “(Joanna is) dreadfully missed by loving husband Ryan and devoted parents Chris and Richard. Mourned by her brother Andrew, his fiancé Libby, in-laws Jan and Rob, sister-in-law Sharon and so many friends and work colleagues. Love you always, love you lots.”

According to Davina Tully, the vice-president of Hereford Swimming Club, Joanna was one of the best.

She said: “Jo was number one in her day. She was a county champion and a champion for the west of England and was regarded at national level.

“In the club she was an inspiration to the girls around her and her speciality was the back stroke.”

Hereford Sixth Form College principal Dr Jonathan Godfrey, said Joanna was an outstanding student.

He added: “Joanna received an academic achievement prize for gaining four grade As at A-level.”

Sue Woodrow, Aylestone principal, said: “Joanna is remembered by those teachers who knew her as a very bright, hard-working and keen student.

“She was shy, but determined while at school.”