A WOMAN who died near Helston has been named by police as 81-year-old Jenny Firth from Ashton.

In a statement, her family said: “She was an elderly and vulnerable lady, and we are utterly heartbroken by her death.”

Mrs Firth had lived in Ashton for more than 60 years, 25 of which were spent serving the community in the role of postwoman.

The announcement followed the appearance at Truro Crown Court on Tuesday (June 2) of Edward Holden, 36, who was charged with rape and murder. The charges relate to an incident in Ashton reported to police on Friday, May 29. Mr Holden, of Alexandra Place in Penzance, was remanded in custody and is due to stand trial in November.

In a tribute issued by Devon and Cornwall Police, Mrs Firth’s family said: “Our family is utterly devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of our beautiful mum and granny.

“She was an incredibly fun-loving, mischievous and charismatic lady who brought great joy into the lives of everyone who knew her.

“Jenny dedicated herself to her family and her community, having served them as the village post lady for over 25 years.

“She loved Cornwall, her home, her garden and Ashton village, where she had lived for more than 60 years, and the village in turn loved her back. Her death has had a profound and far-reaching impact on an entire community.

“We refuse to let her death overshadow the beautiful life she lived. We are fully determined to focus on her legacy and honour her through a lifetime of joyful, positive memories.

“We kindly ask that our privacy, and that of the local community, is respected to allow us to grieve our loss.”