TRIBUTES have been paid to the 20 year-old woman who was killed in a horrific accident at her parents' farm this week.

Kelly Pattinson died on Tuesday afternoon while helping her mother and stepfather cut wood on a bench-saw at Forest-in-Teesdale, County Durham.

She was unloading wood in a barn on East Underhurth Farm at the time of the accident.

Although she did not come into contact with the saw blade, it is understood she slipped and fell on to the spinning driveshaft of a tractor that was powering the saw.

The accident has left the small community of Forest-in-Teesdale in shock.

One neighbour said: "She was very well known, and this has just left everyone feeling so raw."

The family has lived in the area for many years, and Kelly had a half-brother and sister, aged 13 and ten, who are being looked after by relatives.

An elder brother, who is serving in the Army in Germany, was making his way home to be with the family.

The 14 pupils at Forest-of-Teesdale Primary School were said to be devastated. Kelly had attended the school, and her younger sister is a pupil there.

Headteacher Carol Connelly said: "We have had a very sad little school here.

"Kelly was a very cheerful girl. We will always remember her bringing her little sister to school.

"Now we have just got to be here to support the children and her sister when she returns."

Kelly also attended Teesdale Comprehensive School, in Barnard Castle.

Headteacher Paul Harrison said: "This is a dreadful waste of a young life, and our sympathies go out to Kelly's parents and friends.

"Kelly was something of a character when she was at school, and was always cheerful and willing.

"She was a good friend to many people and I am sure she will be greatly missed."

The accident is being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive, and police are preparing a report for the South Durham coroner.