AN 87-year-old woman who died after she became stranded in a river while walking alone in the Yorkshire Dales has been named by police.

Eva Beatrice Higginbottam, from Matlock, in Derbyshire, died on Monday after being pulled from the River Ure, in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, by an angler, who had spotted her partially submerged in the water.

The Northern Echo reported yesterday that it was believed that Mrs Higginbottam had tried to cross the river by using some stepping stones at Worton Bridge.

She was rescued by the fisherman who called the emergency services but died after being airlifted to Harrogate District Hospital.

Inspector Ian Thompson of Richmond police, said: "Our thoughts are with Mrs Higginbottom's family at this sad time, we understand she was a very active person who regularly went on country walks alone.

"We have personally thanked the fisherman who came to her rescue and stayed with her until the emergency services arrived. His public spirited actions meant she received help as soon as possible."

Mrs Higginbottom was staying in the Wensleydale area on a walking holiday with her family, they raised the alarm when she failed to arrive at an agreed meeting point later in the day.

The inquest into her death was opened and adjourned on Wednesday afternoon.