THE daughters of an elderly woman who was found dead in a lake about half a mile from her home in Hamworthy have thanked everyone who helped them through the tragedy.

Patricia Mills, 80, was reported missing from her Turlin Moor home on April 3.

A major search was carried out by police and coastguards using helicopters and dogs and her body was located the next day in Rockley Lake.

An inquest concluded that she died from natural causes as a result of heart failure.

Coralie and Lynne Mills said: “We are extremely grateful to Dorset Police, especially Inspector Matt Baxter who co-ordinated the search, and the many people directly involved, including the Dorset Search and Rescue volunteers who found her, and Pat’s neighbours and carers, who also went out searching for her.

“The police have many and varied duties, and breaking bad news to next of kin must be one of the toughest.

“PC Nick Mantle performed this duty with a strength and warmth that made it bearable.

“Sergeant Shaun Sutton, our family liaison officer, has been there for us throughout, answering our questions, and we are extremely grateful.”

They added: “We would like to thank coroner’s officer Allan Young for being so helpful and responsive.

“Pat, our lovely mum, was a kind gentle person, and we think she would be heartened, as we are, by the immense kindness received from so many quarters during this difficult time.”