A FAMILY have spoken of their sadness after a woman was pulled from the river in the early hours of Monday.

Tracey Maslin's body was retrieved by firefighters from the Kennet and Avon Canal at around 3am.

Her death is currently being treated as unexplained but not suspicious by Thames Valley Police.

A crew from Caversham Road were deployed to Mill Lane in Newbury and sent in a swimmer following reports of a body in the river.

Flowers and messages have been left at the scene in the days after her death.

One message reads: "To Nanny Tracey, heaven has gained another angel. You are missed by so many. You will always be in my heart. Forever and always.

"You are the kindest woman I know. And I know you will be looking down on us all.

"Ps. I hope heaven has a kitchen because that's where you will be. Lots of love Porcia xxx."

Her sister Michelle Breadmore wrote: "You left me beautiful memories. Your love is still my guide and though we cannot see you, you're always by my side. Love you always. Michelle xxx."

The family have set up an online fundraising page to help pay for funeral costs.

The fundraising page explains: "It is with great sadness to have to write this and the family are in a great deal of pain. We received the heartbreaking news that Tracey Maslin, a loving Mum, sister, daughter, nanny, friend and just all round caring and bubbly person sadly passed away during the weekend just gone.

"We are creating a crowd funding page to raise money to give Tracey the send off she truly deserves and so that her friends and family can say a heartfelt goodbye.

"It is clear that Tracey was loved by so many people and she will be truly missed. She was the life and soul of every party and will never be forgotten."

The family is hoping to raise £5,000.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police added: "Thames Valley Police were called to Mill Lane at 2.46am after reports that a body was in the water.

"The body was recovered and sadly a woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Formal identification is yet to take place but next of kin has been informed.

"The death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious."

Click here to make a donation to the fundraising page.