MOVING tributes have been paid to a mother who died after being hit by a train.

The body of Joanne Hughes, 44, was found near the railway line at Saltney Junction on Tuesday of last week.

She had lived on King Street in Chester until recently and Faye Daniels, chairman of the King Street Residents’ Association, said: “She was a lovely person and I had huge respect for her.”

Ms Hughes and partner Steve had lived in King Street for about 10 years.

They had a disabled daughter, Ella, who is believed to be about three.

Ms Hughes was a full-time carer for her daughter, but did volunteer work for disabled children’s charities.

Ms Daniels added: “She always seemed to be very cheerful and happy and she had a beautiful smile.

“She would always stop and chat to people.”

Ms Hughes was struck by the 5.45am Chester to Wrexham train and pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene.

Before the collision, a train driver had reported seeing a woman close to the tracks.

British Transport Police have said they are not treating the incident as suspicious.

An inquest has yet to opened by Cheshire coroner Nicholas Rheinberg.