THE parents of Natalie Williams have spoken of their deep love for their talented, beloved daughter.

Bob and Muriel Hussey issued an emotional, deeply personal tribute to the 33-year-old who was found dead last week.

Her body was found in the River Avon, just yards from the luxury Bradford on Avon home, at Greenland Mills, which she shared with her 43-year-old husband Randle.

Her parents said they had been devastated by Natalie's death.

They said: "No words can ever describe the pain we feel at losing our beautiful darling daughter Natalie, whose life has been cut short.

"Natalie's shortened life touched so many people along its path. We hope and pray each person will have something good to remember her by.

"Stunningly beautiful, warm, loving, full of vitality and fun, coupled with her sense of humour she always lit up a room with her infectious laugh and smile."

Natalie's 43-year-old sister Nichola Laverton, a mother-of-one who lives in the Midlands, spoke of the family's loss.

She said: "We all loved her very, very much. She was outgoing with a lovely personality and a very caring person."

Her parents spoke of a talented, bright, happy girl who excelled at school and sports.

They said: "Natalie was exceptionally talented but always very modest about her ability and her achievements.

"She attended Kingsclere Primary School where she became head girl. At St Gabriel's, Newbury, she gained 10 O levels.

"Natalie was very athletic, enjoying all types of sport. She was a member of the school hockey and netball teams and enjoyed Budo.

"Natalie was an outstanding swimmer, winning many certificates.

"Out of school she enjoyed riding her horse Blaze. At the school concert, in which she had a lead singing role, she surprised us all with her beautiful soprano voice."

Natalie took a beauty therapy course at Plymouth College where she was named student of the year.

Her parents said: "Natalie found her true self in her love for animals, art and most importantly her garden which she adored, and competed with her father with humour.

"Christmas and Easter were extremely important to Natalie religiously, and for the family gatherings."

Natalie had two sisters, Nichola and Jacqueline, two nieces Erin and Georgia, and two nephews Samuel and Harry.

Her body was formally identified by her sister, Dr Jacqueline Boyle, on April 25 at Salisbury District Hospital.

Natalie, who drove a Porsche with a personalised number plate, worked as a cosmetics buyer at Jolly's department store in Bath.

Colleagues at the Milsom Street store have been devastated by her death.

A company spokesman said: "Everyone at Jolly's is deeply upset, not least the people who worked with her in the cosmetics department.

"Everyone is deeply distressed for everybody involved, particularly her family."

Natalie and her husband, who runs a computer software company in Bath, moved to Greenland Mills just over three years ago.

The upmarket riverside development was created from an old mill.

The evening Natalie disappeared, she and her husband spent time with neighbour Adrian Mayo and his wife, relaxing in the garden.

Mr Mayo regularly commuted with Mrs Williams on the train from Bradford on Avon to Bath.

He said she loved animals and had three kittens that she took his children to see.

Friends recounted how Natalie and her husband dressed up in Halloween costumes and gave sweets to children out trick or treating.

An inquest into Natalie's death was opened and adjourned by Wiltshire Coroner David Masters at Trowbridge on Wednesday.