A CHRISTMAS Day tragedy claimed the life of Exmoor-based chef Kathryn Brown- killed in an accident on an isolated moorland road just a few miles from home.

The 36-year-old known as Kate was returning to Winsford from a friend's home when police believe her Rover 214 left the unclassified road between the village and Exford on a right hand bend outside Lee Farm.

The vehicle rolled back onto the carriageway and was discovered at about 12.50am.

Kate, who lived with her parents Josh and Julia and brother Andrew at Netherhalse in Winsford, died at the scene from se-vere head injuries.

And this week as police launched an appeal for witnesses to the collision, which happened in the first hour of Christ-mas morning friends and work colleagues paid tribute to the popular "fun loving" and sporty young woman.

Family friend Terry Laity had worked with Kate at the Exmoor White Horse Inn in Exford for the past three years, where he is a waiter and she was one of a team of three chefs.

He had known her for at least a decade, working with her previously at the Royal Oak in Withy -pool, the Crown Hotel in Exford and the Rising Sun in Lynmouth.

Kate had been discussing a forthcoming diving trip to Thai-land with his son Adrian at the family's home, Lower Foxcombe in Exford, just before she embarked on the fatal journey.

"She was an incredible, wonderful person," said Terry.

"She loved any sort of activity but particularly diving and she and Adrian and had been talking about their trip, planned for April.

"She left our house at about 12.15am and the accident must have happened about ten minutes later.

"She was such a popular person she had worked at every hotel on Exmoor. Everyone who knew her loved her. She will never be forgotten.

"She was very fun-loving and had no fear of anything. She was a competent horsewoman and was accomplished at so many things, from tennis to playing the guitar.

"She was a friend to all my family and was a guest at my daughter's wedding. We will all miss her terribly."

Kate was educated at the former St Audries School at West Quantoxhead and went on to obtain accountancy and receptionist qualifications before be-coming a chef.

Her elder brother, Jeremy, now lives at the former family home, Halse Farm and camping site, with Kate's two young ne-phews.

Peter Hendrie, who runs the Exmoor White Horse with his wife Linda, said staff had been devastated and very upset by the tragedy.

"The police told us about it later on Christmas morning and it was a terrible shock.

"It has been very hard for the people who worked with Kate. She was a valued member of staff."

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday afternoon at Winsford Church, with family flowers only and donations going to Cancer Research.