Tributes have been paid to Christine Chambers by her friends in Witham.

Old schoolfriends have spoken of Christine Chamber’s wonderful sense of humour and their shock at her death.

Ms Chambers grew up in Witham and is well known in the town, having gone to Powers Hall Junior School and John Bramston School.

Joanna Greater, landlady of the Swan pub in Newland Street, has fond memories of Ms Chambers after having known her through primary and secondary school.

Joanna said: “She was always smiling and had an insane sense of humour.

“Her laughter was infectious.

“You couldn’t stop smiling when you were around her.

“It’s a terrible terrible waste of a life."