TRIBUTES have been paid to two women who were found dead after getting into difficulty on a river in their canoes.
Pals Sarah Waller, 56, and Laura Pottinger, 52, tragically passed away after their boats capsized on the River Great Ouse in Kempston, Bedfordshire, on April 16.
Sarah's family said that they were "devastated", while Laura's added that they were "completely heartbroken".
The pair were firm friends and lived together in nearby Bedford.
A statement from Sarah's family read: "Sarah's passion for canoeing was her way of being outside and at one with nature. For this to have taken her and Laura's lives is beyond anything we can comprehend.
"We would like to thank everyone who has contacted the family, we have been overwhelmed with the amount of kind messages and shared memories – she really did touch a lot of people in her life, and she was sadly taken from us far too soon.
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Meanwhile, Laura's family said: "Laura, your passing has left us all completely heartbroken.
"Everyone who knew you has had their lives enriched by your kindness, intelligence, humour and love. It is going to be very hard to come to terms with you not being here anymore.
"You were a phenomenal mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunty and friend to many, you made the world such a happier and brighter place.
"Your wonderful talent has been taken away from us far too soon, but you have left an extraordinary legacy through your work in the arts. Rest in Peace."
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A statement from The Place Theatre in Bedford, which both women were enthusiastic fans of, added: "Laura and Sarah were close friends, as well as passionate and prodigious supporters of cultural activity, both in Bedford and beyond.
"Our hearts are with the families at this awful time, and we'd like to express the deep sadness that all in The Place Bedford community feel at this devastating news."
The theatre will be holding coffee morning offering mourners a space to "share their thoughts and memories" of the two well-loved women between 9am and midday on April 29.
Bedfordshire Police said that they attended the scene after receiving reports of people in difficulty at around 10.50am that day.
A statement from the force confirmed the tragedy a few hours later.
An investigation into their deaths will be carried out by the coroner.
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