A 22-YEAR-OLD woman killed in a head-on collision near her home was more than twice the drink drive limit at the time, an inquest heard.Tanya Atkins, who was described by those who knew her as a "fun-loving girl who lived life to the full," died last October after losing control of her Audi 80 car while returning to the Stowupland home she shared with her parents.

A 22-YEAR-OLD woman killed in a head-on collision near her home was more than twice the drink drive limit at the time, an inquest heard.

Tanya Atkins, who was described by those who knew her as a "fun-loving girl who lived life to the full," died last October after losing control of her Audi 80 car while returning to the Stowupland home she shared with her parents.

During an inquest, held in Bury St Edmunds yesterday , Dr Peter Dean, coroner for Greater Suffolk, heard that Miss Atkins lost control of her car on a right-hand bend on the A1120. The car then veered into the front of an oncoming Vauxhall Astra.

Medics fought unsuccessfully to try and resuscitate Miss Atkins at the roadside following the accident, in which three other people were injured.

Blood tests, taken after the crash on October 6, showed 186 milligrams of alcohol present in 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80.

Dr Dean was told both vehicles were examined for mechanical faults, with both deemed roadworthy.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, he said: "This is a tragic accident which has caused loss of life. I would like to pass on my condolences to the family involved."

After her death, tributes were paid to Miss Atkins by her shocked community. Jean Collis, landlady of the Crown Pub in Stowupland, where she worked part-time, said: "She was a diamond, an absolute gem of a girl. I can't talk too highly about her. She lived life to the full, was a fun-loving girl with a great sense of humour, and we just can't believe she has gone. Its like losing one of your own."

Miss Atkins, who lived in Hornbeam Road, was laid to rest in Stowupland cemetery after her funeral, which saw nearly 200 mourners pay their last respects at the village church of Holy Trinity.

Tributes were paid to the former Stowupland High School pupil by her aunt and friends during the service, which was also attended by her parents Mick and Glenda, and sister Chelly.

Miss Atkins, who was also an office worker, had lived in Stowupland all her life, attending both the Freeman Primary School and Stowmarket Middle School.