The heartbroken families of two women who died after their canoes capsized in a river in Bedford have paid tribute to them.

Sarah Waller, 56, and 52-year-old Laura Pottinger, both of Wendover Drive in Bedford, got into difficulty while out on the River Ouse in Kempston on 16 April.

Their bodies were recovered by emergency services at around 10.50am, shortly after paramedics arrived on the scene.

Ms Waller’s family said in a tribute: “We are devastated at the tragic loss of our sister and aunt Sarah.

She was much loved by all and had many friends within the Bedfordshire community.

“Sarah’s passion for canoeing was her way of being outside and at one with nature. For this to have taken her and Laura’s lives is beyond anything we can comprehend.

“We would like to thank everyone who has contacted the family, we have been overwhelmed with the amount of kind messages and shared memories – she really did touch a lot of people in her life, and she was sadly taken from us far too soon.”

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Also paying tribute, Ms Pottinger’s family said: “Laura, your passing has left us all completely heartbroken. Everyone who knew you has had their lives enriched by your kindness, intelligence, humour and love. It is going to be very hard to come to terms with you not being here anymore.

“You were a phenomenal mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunty and friend to many, you made the world such a happier and brighter place.

“Your wonderful talent has been taken away from us far too soon, but you have left an extraordinary legacy through your work in the arts. Rest in Peace.”

The file has now been passed to the coroner to investigate.

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