THE funeral of a North-East woman found dead at an Army base will be held today.

Krystle Cookson, 19, of Port Clarence, near Billingham, Teesside, died suddenly at Blandford Camp, in Dorset.

Ms Cookson had been studying systems engineering operations at the base, which is home to the Royal Signals regiments.

It is understood the former pupil at St Michael's School, Port Clarence, had been in the Armed Forces for about a year.

The police, Army and coroner were last night unable to confirm how Miss Cookson died but said there were no suspicious circumstances.

West Dorset coroner Michael Johnston said: "A young woman was found dead at the Army base.

"An inquest has been opened and adjourned for tests. No circumstances of the death were given at the opening inquest."

Major Alan Stringer, of Blandford Camp, said Miss Cookson was a popular girl who was due to be posted to York last week.

He said: "It is a very tragic death and our deepest sympathies are with the family."

Her funeral will be held at St John's Evangelist RC church, Billingham, followed by internment at Billingham new cemetery.