The funeral of a woman who died in a sailing accident off the coast of Suffolk will take place in her home village next month.

A horse-drawn hearse will lead a procession of mourners to the service on Friday, July 4 at St John the Baptist Church, in Butley, where Bernadine Ingram, known as Bernie, will also be buried.

Mrs Ingram died after a collision between a yacht and a dredger six miles off Felixstowe.

The accident happened on Sunday, June 8 - a day later, the 57-year-old’s body was recovered from the water.

She had been on board the yacht with her husband, Peter, who was pulled to safety and taken to hospital to be checked over.

The couple’s two border collies were also on the boat but only one was recovered alive.

Mrs Ingram, a doctors’ receptionist, has been fondly remembered by colleagues for being an invaluable part of the fabric of the Peninsula Practice, where she worked for 14 years and was single-handedly responsible for establishing and running a support group for patients who had been diagnosed with cancer.

Following her death, a book of condolence was opened at the practice’s health centre in Alderton, and at its Chapman House surgery, in Orford.

A donation box also welcomed contributions towards one of Mrs Ingram’s favourite animal charities.

Her colleagues paid warm tribute to the “love, kindness and care” she gave patients and every member of staff in times of need.

They said she always worked from her heart and went the extra mile for every single patient.

Mark Bee, leader of Suffolk County Council, where Mr Ingram’s directs the Suffolk Better Broadband programme, also added his “deepest thoughts and sympathies”.

He said: “We’re most saddened by the tragic death of Peter’s wife.

“We’ve been in contact with Peter to offer our full support at this most difficult time.”

An inquest into Mrs Ingram’s death is due to open on Monday.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is currently being conducted by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

The MCA and the The Marine Accident Investigation Branch will both submit reports to Suffolk Constabulary, which will in turn report to the coroner.

It is thought the entire process may take several months.

Mrs Ingram’s funeral will take place at 2.30pm on Friday, July 4. Donations can be made to Mrs Ingram’s favourite animal charities via Farthing, Singleton and Hastings, 650 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PW.