A NEIGHBOUR has paid tribute to mother-of-three Vanessa Robson, who was tragically swept to her death in floodwaters at a remote beauty spot on the North York Moors.

Mrs Robson, who was 53, lived with her family on a large farm in Beverley, East Yorkshire.

She died on Friday after her Land Rover was swept away in a fast-flowing beck as she attempted to cross a ford.

Her body was pulled from Hartoft Beck in Cropton Forest, Ryedale, following a huge rescue operation mounted by police, coastguards, fire crews and a Sea King helicopter from RAF Leconfield.

It is believed Mrs Robson tried to cross the ford which had become severely swollen due to heavy rain and snow, but her Land Rover was swept away before coming to rest on its side 200 metres downstream, at Muffles Bridge.

She leaves her husband Ian, 56, and three sons – twins Harry and Jack, 22, and Thomas, 23.

The neighbour, who did not wish to be named, paid a glowing tribute to Mrs Robson, whose death has shaken the community.

The neighbour said: “I couldn’t believe it when her cousin told me today.

“I was just walking up a path near my house when she stopped me and told me what had happened. I was in total shock – it’s so sad.

“She was such a nice person, really well liked.

“I had known her for 30 years – she had grown up in the area and lived here all her life.

“Her husband is an accountant and she used to run a holiday home over in Hartoft, that’s what she was up to I think when the accident happened.

“It’s so sad for her family, they were really close.

“Everybody in the community knew her and everybody had time for her as well because she was so friendly.

“She’ll certainly be missed.”