A KIND and caring 'friend' by name and nature is how villagers will remember a woman found dead after disappearing from her Herefordshire home last week.

Judith Friend, 67, was reported missing from her home at Llangrove, near Ross-on-Wye, last Tuesday. Her body was discovered three days later in the Golden Valley by members of Longtown Mountain Rescue Team following appeals through the media by Police.

She will be fondly remembered. Husband of 42 years Richard said she was a 'very caring person' who had dedicated much of her life to bringing up their three children, Vanessa, Chris and David.

Jenny Bibby, who met Judith through Ross Tennis Centre, where Chris Friend is a well-known instructor, said: "I have known Judith for 15 years. Her son coached my son at tennis, we used to go to tournaments together and I got to know her very well. She was a lovely person."

She said Judith, who had suffered ill health due to arthritis, had been well liked in Llangrove where villagers will remember her walking her much-loved dogs.

Richard Friend, who resides at Hazelhurst Nursing Home, Bishopswood, said Judith had loved animals, in particular dogs. Her favourites were red setters and beagles.

He said his wife had developed a passion for gardening after his own illness and made a good job of their garden.

Judith's body was discovered during a 22-man search of land in the Dulas area, between Ewyas Harold and Longtown, after a member of the public spotted her blue Mercedes.

"Volunteer search and rescue personnel searched an extensive area around the location in extremely cold and windy conditions until 1am last Friday when a body of a female was located," said Longtown Mountain Rescue's Bob Wilson.

Police say there were no suspicious circumstances.