Tributes have been paid to a young woman who was found dead by members of her family at her home on December 20th.

Lydia Cole, daughter of Sandra and Simeon, a local businessman and Councillor, had suffered with seizures since she was a teenager and her father told the Ross Gazette that she recently underwent an operation to reduce their frequency and severity.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police told the Ross Gazette: “Shortly after 5.10pm on Wednesday, December 20th officers from West Mercia Police were called to an address in Coughton, Ross-on-Wye where the body of a woman was found.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file has been prepared for the coroner.” An inquest has been opened and adjourned.

Lydia and her family are very well-known in the area and the Ross Harrier’s Masters organised a minute’s silence at the Boxing Day Meet in the Market Place in Ross-on-Wye which a large crowd observed. The Harrier’s Masters told the Gazette that Lydia and her family had been long term supporters of the hunt and Lydia had helped to walk puppies for them.

Staff at Oak House Nursery, where Lydia had worked for several years before leaving to take up a college place, were shocked and deeply saddened by the news of her sudden death.

Sue Marshall, Nursery Head told the Ross Gazette: “We recall Lydia being a shy 16-year-old when she first came to Oak House Nursery School for Work Experience. She soon blossomed due to her love of small children and her ability to listen to her trainer and learn from all the qualified staff.”

“Lydia displayed a positive and willing attitude throughout her training and always displayed patience, kindness and care to all the children.

“Despite her ongoing health issues, Lydia passed her NVQ Level 2 and was extremely proud to receive her award on her 18th Birthday when she left us to undertake a college course.”

Many friends of the family have also paid tribute to the popular, hardworking young woman, pictured left in her Oakhouse Nursery uniform.

Lydia’s funeral will take place at St Michael and All Angels Church at Walford on Thursday, January 11th, 1pm. The family have requested bright and beautiful colour be worn.