Tributes have been paid to a popular shopkeeper who has died in a tragic accident after falling from her horse.

Grandmother-of-four Gillian Ashley, 60, was discovered by holidaymakers lying on a track in Beer, East Devon, a short distance from her unmounted horse.

Police say Mrs Ashley – who owned Beer Village Store – suffered a fractured spine in the accident on Thursday.

They are now appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information as to what caused the accident or could have alarmed the horse.

At around 12.30pm on Thursday, the pair of holidaymakers came across a Chestnut mare on Paizen Lane.

Further along the small track off Quarry Lane, they discovered the body of Mrs Ashley, who was wearing her protective body armour and riding helmet.

CPR was carried out by the members of the public, police and ambulance service, but she was declared dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination was carried out today and the death appears to have been unfortunate aaccident.

The cause of death was given as a fracture of the cervical and thoracic spine.

Mrs Ashley moved to Beer four years ago and ran the village store with her partner, Bob.

She is survived by her three sons, four grandchildren and two step grandchildren.

A police spokesman said: "This appears to be a tragic accident.

"Officers are appealing for witnesses who may have seen Gillian riding her horse – a 14-hand chestnut mare – between 10.30am and 12.30pm on the day of the incident or who may have heard any unusual noises which may have alarmed the horse.

"She was a well-known figure in the village and was an experienced rider."

Mrs Ashley's niece, Lisa Snow, yesterday paid tribute to "a wonderful, bubbly woman."

She said: "She was always smiling, always approachable and friendly towards everybody.

"That she was able to move into a place and become part of the community so quickly is testament to her personality.

"She lived for her family. This is a tragedy for all of us."

Ms Snow said horseriding was her aunt's "great passion" and that she had been riding for over 40 years.

She said there had never been any problems with the horse, which she had owned since January this year.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Police on 08452 777 444, quoting log number 428 300910.