TRIBUTES have been paid to a senior magistrate whose death has been described as a tragic loss to the community.

Family and colleagues described Sheila Singh-Toor, of St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, as a kind and generous woman who served the public with devotion and enthusiasm.

Ms Singh-Toor, 48, was a trained mental health nurse and was a magistrate for 15 years. She served as a chairwoman in the adult courts and was a member of the Magistrates' Court Committee.

Her greatest interest was with family proceedings and she was chairwoman of the Family Panel.

Her brother, Phillip Singh, said: "We've had messages from people all over the place saying her death is a tragic loss."

A spokesman for South Durham Magistrates' Court said: "Sheila Singh-Toor was a well-respected member of the South Durham Bench. She devoted a great deal of her time and energy to the work of the Bench. Her death has saddened colleagues and she will be greatly missed."

An inquest heard on Friday that Ms Singh-Toor was found hanged on Wednesday, April 28.

Her son, Ian Hind, 28, of Bishop Auckland, discovered his mother's body. He recalled seeing her the previous Friday where she seemed distant "and was struggling mentally".

She had worked for The Salvation Army in Darlington for a three-month probationary period but had not been offered a contract, which had hit her hard, he said.

"She was a giving person and wouldn't hurt a fly," he added.

Consultant pathologist Dr Don Senadhira said that the cause of death was asphyxiation due to hanging.

Deputy South Durham Coroner Kenneth Howe, sitting at Bishop Auckland, recorded a verdict that she took her own life.

A spokesperson from The Salvation Army said: "The management team were distressed by the news and circumstances of her death, but I cannot comment further."