TRIBUTES were today paid to a woman killed when she was trampled by a stampede of cows.

TRIBUTES were today paid to a woman killed when she was trampled by a stampede of cows.

Sandra Pearce died in the freak accident on Sunday while out walking her two Jack Russell dogs at South Elmham Hall near Bungay.

A statement, given on behalf of by Ms Pearce's family by neice Nicola McKiggan, described the 45-year-old as a “loving and cheerful person”.

“Firstly we would like to thank all the people who went to the aid of my auntie and tried to help her on the day of this tragic accident.

“Knowing that the farmer, paramedics and other people were there with her gives our family great comfort to know she was not alone and we are all very grateful to these people.

“Sandra was very much loved by many people and she will be sadly missed by us all.

“She worked for the probation service for a number of years where I know she made a real difference. She was a kind, loving, cheerful person who always had a smile for everyone.

“She had a sister, nieces and nephews and also a great-niece and great-nephews who she loved very much and we loved her too.

“She also had two dogs, Lilly and Daisy, who she adored and she loved to go on long walks with them, along the beaches and at local beauty spots.

“Losing her to such a tragic accident at such a young age has been very difficult for us as a family to cope with or to understand.

“While we are all very grateful to everyone for the kind words and interest shown, we would ask everyone at this time to please respect our privacy and leave us alone to come to terms with what has happened and to grieve in private for the loss of our Auntie Sandra who we loved very much and who will be sadly missed.

“Thank you once again for all the support and kind words and a special thank you to the paramedics, the air ambulance team and the Beccles police for all their support and hard work.”