A GRANDMOTHER was killed when she was hit by a train on a crossing close to her home.

Margaret Hebdon, who was in her early 70s, died at 6.45pm on Friday at the level crossing on Long Lane, near Brompton, North Yorkshire.

The crossing is close to her family home at Kettlewell Farm.

An ambulance was called at 7.18pm but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The train involved was the 3.22pm Liverpool to Middlesbrough service.

A spokeswoman for British Transport Police said her death was not believed to be suspicious.

An inquest into her death has been opened and adjourned.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: "Margaret Hebdon of Brompton was killed at 6.45pm on Friday evening at a railway crossing on farmland near Brompton."

Mrs Hebdon, who was well known in the local area, had been married to her husband Stanley for 46 years. The couple had six children and eight grandchildren.

A thanksgiving service will take place at St Thomas Church in Brompton on Friday, June 2 at 12pm after a private family cremation.

Her family have asked for any donations to be given to Brompton Primary School.