An inquest has opened into the death of a woman from Felixstowe who died in a crash near Ipswich last year.

The inquest into the death of Clair James, 34, was opened by Senior Coroner for Suffolk Nigel Parsley on Friday.

Those gathered in court were told that police were called to the scene of a two-vehicle crash on the Strand at Wherstead on September 5.

The court heard that the 34-year-old was one of the drivers and was treated by the roadside by paramedics, but died from her injuries.

At the time, Ms James’ family paid tribute to their daughter, who they said could “bring light into the darkest of days”.

Ipswich Star: Clair James' family said that she could bring light into the darkest of days. Image: Suffolk PoliceClair James' family said that she could bring light into the darkest of days. Image: Suffolk Police (Image: Suffolk Police)

“Clair came into this world on February 25, 1989,” they said. “She faced many challenges in her life, but she never let them get her down and she conquered everything the world chucked at her.

“She was finally the happiest she had ever been in her life, she had just got a promotion to Assistant Manager at work where she was a Child Care practitioner and had finally met the love of her life, Charlie.

“The world is cruel and whilst we are left with the pain, we know Clair was loved by so many people from her family to her many friends including those made via her love of Majorettes and work in childcare. She loved children and they loved her back equally.

“We will try and honour Clair by living life to the fullest like she did. We will embrace every day and hope to make her as proud of us as we are of her. Always.”

An internal case review into Ms James’ death will take place on March 4, while her inquest is expected to resume on March 25.