Tributes have been paid to the 20-year-old woman who was killed in a horrific accident at her parents' farm in Teesdale this week.

Kelly Pattinson died on Tuesday afternoon while helping her mother and step-father cut wood on a bench-saw at Forest-in-Teesdale, County Durham.

Kelly was unloading wood in a barn on East Underhurth farm at the time of the accident.

Although she did not come into contact with the saw blade, it is understood she slipped and fell onto the spinning driveshaft of a tractor which was powering the saw.

The accident has left the tiny community of Forest-in-Teesdale in shock.

One neighbour said: "She was very well known, and this has just left everyone feeling so raw."

The family has lived in the area for many years and Kelly had a half-brother and sister, aged 13 and 10, who are being looked after by relatives. An elder brother, who is serving in the army in Germany, was making his way home to be with the family.

The 14 pupils at Forest-of-Teesdale Primary school were said to be devastated. Kelly had attended the school, and her younger sister is a pupil.

Headteacher, Carol Connelly, said: "We've had a very sad little school here.

"Kelly was a very cheerful girl, we'll always remember her bringing her little sister to school.

"Now we've just got to be here to support the children and her sister when she returns."

She also attended Teesdale Comprehensive School in Barnard Castle. Headteacher Paul Harrison said: "This is a dreadful waste of a young life and our sympathies go out to Kelly's parents and friends.

"Kelly was something of a character when she was at school and was always cheerful and willing. She was a good friend to many people and I'm sure she will be greatly missed."

The accident is being investigated by Health and Safety experts and police are preparing a report for the South Durham coroner.