THE family of a "loving and sensitive" Watford woman, found dead at the foot of cliffs in Sussex this week, have spoken of their grief.

Sarah Pearce, 39, of Orbital Crescent, was discovered by Sussex police, who spotted her red Ford Ka parked at the top of Beachy Head in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Further investigation by officers led to the discovery of her body at the base of the 525ft cliff, just before 1.30am.

Her parents had reported her missing to Hertfordshire Constabulary at about 2am after she had not come home.

A statement released by Peter and Bernadette and her sister Ruth on Thursday said: "Sarah was a beautiful, loving, sensitive person, whose journey through life was not easy.

"We tried to help her and she tried to help herself, but unbeknown to us, this difficult journey took her to a point where she no longer felt able to continue.

"Although at times she was unhappy, we shared many happy times with her as a family and she drew much happiness from her love of the countryside, animals and walking. She was also a wonderful and caring friend who helped out people less fortunate than herself in so many ways.."

The family thanked the police officers who dealt with them and the coroner's office in Sussex for their acts of kindness.

Sarah lived in Watford all her life and was educated at St Michael's School, Garston.

She was involved with Amnesty International in the town for several years and was secretary for a year.

Peter added: "Your own daughter is always special and you can't always see their imperfections, but kindness and caring for others certainly weren't some of them."

An inquest has now been opened to establish the cause of Sarah's death.