A 90-YEAR-OLD woman has died in a fire at a cottage in the Shropshire countryside.

The pensioner, named locally today as Norma Foster, was dragged from the burning building in Rindleford, near Bridgnorth, after the blaze broke out on the ground floor shortly before 6pm yesterday. But fire crews and paramedics were unable to resuscitate the widow.

The cause of the fire is not yet known and emergency services were returning to the scene today to carry out further investigations.

Police said the death was being treated as unexplained, but added there was nothing to suggest it was suspicious.

Neighbours and friends today paid tribute to Mrs Foster, believed to be the widow of former Beatties managing director Ernest Foster and still an active member of Bridgnorth Golf Club.

Flying

Nearest neighbour Margaret Higgins, 78, said: “There was so much going on last night with police cars, ambulances and fire engines all flying up the land to Norma’s house.

“It went on all night until about 1am.

“Norma and I moved in to the area about 42 years ago, she was a lovely person and a good friend.

“Even in her 90s she was very active and was very young, both at heart, and in appearance.”

Rindleford resident Nigel Cotterill, 48, said: “She was a lovely lady who would always say ‘hello’. This is terribly sad for the village.”

John Brennan, who is in his 60s and has lived in Rindleford for more than 30 years, said: “Mrs Foster was a lovely, beautiful woman.

“Her husband used to work for Beatties in Wolverhampton but he died many, many years ago.”

Bridgnorth Golf Club secretary Alan Jones said: “Norma had been a member for 36 years and she was a well-liked lady. This is dreadful news and will come as a great shock to people.”

Chris White, watch manager at Tweedale fire station, said nearly 20 firefighters attended the blaze and spent more than two hours at the scene.

He said Mrs Foster had a fitted smoke alarm, but it was found to be not working.

Mr White added: “Officers gained entry to the ground floor and located the lady and rescued her from the property.”

By Jason Lavan and Peter Finch