An inquest into the death of a popular young woman killed in a rail tragedy has opened.

Coroner Katrina Hepburn heard the 28-year-old Bonnie Yendell died at a level crossing in Monkshill Road, Graveney on Sunday, February 17.

She had been hit by a train.

A post-mortem examination revealed she had died of multiple injuries.

The hearing at Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone this morning was told the steward had been living in Whitstable at the time of her death.

She previously lived in Canterbury and Studd Hill near Herne Bay.

News of Miss Yendell's death prompted an outpouring of grief from friends, who described her as "beautiful" and "kind-hearted".

Floral tributes were left at the scene.

The inquest was adjourned until May 8, when it will resume at Archbishop's Palace.