HUNDREDS of right-wing extremists are expected to arrive in the region later this week for the funeral of a woman found dead in a stream.

The body of Kerry Deighton, 33, of Rutland Close, Catterick Garrison, was found at the North Yorkshire Army base last month.

Her funeral will take place at Darlington Crematorium, on Friday, and sources say as many as 200 political extremists including people associated with the white supremacy group Combat 18 may attend.

Sergeant Andrew Quaye, from Richmondshire police, said senior officers were aware of the funeral.

"However odious these groups may be to some people, membership of this organisation is not illegal," he said.

"We will monitor the event and take action if necessary."

Police say a group of extremists have already visited the Army town to attend a wake held for the dead woman.

Ms Deighton's body was found in Coronation Park, Catterick Garrison, by a group of children walking dogs on Saturday, April 9.

Police believe the mother-of-one was drinking with friends in the Jesters pub and Louies Bar, on the garrison, the previous night.

A post-mortem examination proved inconclusive, but police said Ms Deighton was not the victim of an attack and there were not thought to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

An inquest by North Yorkshire Coroner Geoff Fell has been adjourned to a date still to be fixed.