Tributes have been paid today to Shropshire woman Elizabeth Ashbee, whose body was found in the sea after she went missing during a kayaking trip, by the county company she used to work for.

The 53-year-old mother-of-two, from Shrewsbury, was found on Tuesday night – two days after she was last seen negotiating difficult rocky waters at Ynys Feurig, or Starvation Island, close to Rhosneigr on Anglesey.

Bosses at Shrewsbury-based Enterprise, where Ms Ashbee worked until three years ago, today expressed their sadness at her death.

A statement from the company’s highways contractor today said: “Enterprise is shocked and saddened to learn of the untimely death of Elizabeth Ashbee over the weekend.

“Elizabeth had been a valued employee at Enterprise, working primarily on our highways contract in Shropshire until 2007. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family.”

Meanwhile it was also revealed today that Ms Ashbee’s body was located off the Lynn Peninsula by a helicopter crew from the Defence Helicopter Flying School, based at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire.

The helicopter was from the Search and Rescue Training Unit (SARTU) at RAF Valley on Anglesey.

Squadron Leader Jamie Mitchell, commanding officer, said: “The lady from Shropshire out canoeing off Anglesey over the weekend tragically lost her life when she got separated from the rest of her group and despite being experienced and well equipped with a dry suit and buoyancy aid, appears to have drowned.

“An extensive search was carried out for her over two days by RNLI, coastguard, police & SARF assets with no joy. Ms Ashbee’s body was located by a SARTU crew during a routine staff training sortie yesterday some 20 miles out to sea.

“They remained in visual contact and diverted a nearby Sea King searching the coastline to conduct the pick up and hence bring the search to an end.”

Coroner for North West Wales Dewi Pritchard Jones yesterday opened and adjourned an inquest into the death.

Ms Ashbee, of Ashley Street, Underdale, has been described as an experienced kayaker who was an avid member of Shrewsbury Canoe Club.

By Russell Roberts