TRIBUTES have been paid to Sandra Pearce who was trampled to death by cattle as she walked her dogs in fields at South Elmham Hall, near Bungay, last weekend.

TRIBUTES have been paid to Sandra Pearce who was trampled to death by cattle as she walked her dogs in fields at South Elmham Hall, near Bungay, last weekend.

An investigation into the tragedy that happened on Sunday, April 27, is currently being held and Ms Pearce's niece, Nicola McKiggan, said she appreciated the help given to her auntie.

“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,” she said.

“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,” said Ms McKiggan.

“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, and 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,” she said.

Ms Pearce, 45, of Worlingham, near Beccles, worked at Suffolk Probation Area's Lowestoft office.

She qualified as a Probation Officer in October 1993 having undertaken a programme of training in Hull and Suffolk. Upon qualification she worked as a probation officer in Norfolk returning to Suffolk Probation Area in January 2002, taking up a post as probation officer at Blundeston Prison. She transferred to the Lowestoft office in February 2006.

Her colleagues are shocked and deeply saddened by her sudden and tragic death.

Suffolk Probation Area Chief Officer John Budd said: “Sandra was a highly skilled probation officer. She established very good working relationships with offenders and had a positive impact on their lives. She showed great integrity in her work and was regarded as highly professional by her colleagues.

“Sandra was a valuable, kind, popular, and intelligent member of staff. She will be greatly missed by her colleagues. Our thoughts are with Sandra's family and friends at this sad time”