TRIBUTES have been paid to the “lovely, outgoing and fun loving” woman who died while backpacking in New Zealand.

Grace Millane, 22, from Wickford, was last seen on December 1 after arriving in the country two weeks previously.

Alarms bells rang for her family after she failed to respond to birthday messages the following day.

Sadly, on Saturday morning, the police department in Auckland - where Grace was staying - announced they had found a body which they believed to be that of the backpacker.

READ MORE: 'Grace should have been safe here': NZ Prime Minister's emotional apology to family of Grace Millane

Since the news broke, thousands of tributes have been paid to the young woman across social media and at memorials which have been formed since her disappearance both in Wickford and New Zealand.

Her brother Declan Millane shared an emotional post on Instagram which quoted the lyrics of You Are My Sunshine accompanied by a picture of Grace and her brothers.

At a press conference last week, her father David Millane described Grace as a “lovely, outgoing, fun-loving, family orientated daughter”.

Grace graduated from the University of Lincoln in September with a BA in advertising and marketing.

She had planned to spend a year travelling round the world and arrived in New Zealand on November 19 after visiting Peru.

A talented artist, Grace had studied art at St Thomas More’s sixth form in Westcliff and her A- Level art piece was chosen to be exhibited in the London Mall Student exhibition.

At university, she was named the Hockey Ladies Seconds Vice Captain and Tour Secretary.

Echo:

Search - officers from New Zealand Police search an area outside Auckland. Picture: PA

Samantha Ramsay, 2018/19 Hockey President at the University of Lincoln, said: “Grace always wanted to go travelling.

"She was a driven, sassy, and a fierce friend.

“She had been working really hard to save up to go on this trip.”

A spokesman for the university added: “People across our university community are deeply saddened to hear the terrible news coming from New Zealand about Grace, one of our recent graduates.

“Our thoughts and sincere sympathies go to Grace’s friends and family.”

Over the weekend, dozens of floral tributes have been laid at a memorial which has been established in Wickford town centre.

Cards, flowers, candles and balloons all expressing their condolences and prayers for Grace and her family are resting outside the Willows Centre.

READ MORE: Brother's Instagram tribute to his tragic sister

A vigil is set to take place outside the Fox and Hound pub in Billericay.

Organiser David Heeney said: “To the people of the world, if you don’t know, a light was taken from Essex and we, as Essex and Wickford, weep for a soul taken away.

“In support of the Millane family, a candlelight vigil for beautiful Grace will take place in front of the Fox and hounds at Ramsden by the big tree has tied yellow ribbons on.

“At this tragic time the community can come together to show their support for the family.

It will take place at 7pm on Wednesday. The family are happy for this to go ahead.”

Similarly, a peace walk has been organised in Auckland.

Organiser Michelle Oakes was inspired to create the event