GLOWING tributes have been paid to a much-loved young woman who died suddenly at her home.The grieving family of Sam Hodgson, 26, yesterday joined friends and colleagues to pay a heartfelt tribute to the popular council official, who died in the arms of her boyfriend Chris Swaffer .

GLOWING tributes have been paid to a much-loved young woman who died suddenly at her home.

The grieving family of Sam Hodgson, 26, yesterday joined friends and colleagues to pay a heartfelt tribute to the popular council official, who died in the arms of her boyfriend Chris Swaffer .

Miss Hodgson's parents, Bob and Gill who run the village shop in Acton, near Sudbury, last night spoke warmly about their daughter and thanked those who had given the family - including her twin sister Jennifer and sister Sarah - support since the tragedy.

In a statement, they said: “Her personality was extremely easy-going and she was ever so natural. She made so many friends, especially at Breckland District Council where she worked.

“Sam collapsed and died on February 25 at her home in Norwich which she had bought with her partner Chris.

“He did all he could to help her until the emergency services arrived, but sadly they were also unable to help her.

“She died of a pulmonary embolism resulting from a deep-vein thrombosis. We would like to thank everyone who sent us cards and gave us words of support.”

Her colleagues at Breckland District Council last night paid warm tributes and announced plans to dedicate a flowering tree and bench in her memory in the council grounds.

Team leader Andrew Grimley said: “Sam was an enormously important member of our environmental protection team and was the main instigator of team social activities.

“We will miss her generosity of spirit, lovely smile, humour, kindness and enthusiasm both inside and outside work.”

Chief Executive Keith Davis added: “We were saddened by the news of Sam's death and we will miss her contribution as a valued member of staff. Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time.”

Miss Hodgson was brought up in Acton - where her parents run Bob's The Stores - and went to the village primary school before moving on to Sudbury's All Saints Middle School and then Sudbury Upper School where she gained 12 GCSEs and three A levels.

She studied ecology at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, where she met her long-term boyfriend, and then joined the council in 2005.

The family have asked for any donations in Miss Hodgson's memory to be made care of the Bury Stray Cat Fund via Ivan Fisher Independent Funeral Director on 01603 810022.