Tributes have been paid to a "lovely, beautiful" young woman who died in an accident involving a horse.

They said Heather Boaden, 23, of Oak Glade, Huntington, York, who died on Thursday after receiving a fatal head injury, had a passion for horses.

Heather is believed to have been kicked by a horse while walking in a field at Sandburn Farm, off Malton Road, York.

Her uncle, Melvyn Hesp, who owns the Melodies dining, dancing and golf complex in Wigginton Road, Clifton Moor, said the family and Heather's fiance, John, were in shock.

He said: "We can't believe what's happened. She was a very lovely, beautiful girl."

An inquest into Heather's death was opened and adjourned yesterday.

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