INQUEST proceedings opened yesterday into the death of a woman whose disappearance sparked a full-scale search last week.

The body of Sarah Ann Linklater was discovered in secluded woodland close to the village of High Pittington, near Durham.

A search of the area was launched after she disappeared following a visit to a friend's home in the Durham area three days earlier.

About two dozen search and rescue and fell rescue team members took part in the operation, searching the woodland and a nearby disused quarry, backed up by mounted officers from Cleveland Police and the police's North-East air support unit.

It was one of the volunteers who came across the body in dense undergrowth on the evening of Thursday, May 1.

Police said they were satisfied there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of 35-year-old Ms Linklater, who lived with her partner and young daughter in Cumberland Road, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough.

The inquest was opened at the office of North Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle, in Crook, County Durham, yesterday.

Mr Tweddle adjourned proceedings pending further inquiries, allowing her family to proceed with funeral arrangements.

A full inquest hearing will be held at a later date.