Neighbours said the victim - who has not yet been officially named - was a much loved member of the community.

"She was absolutely lovely" said the woman. "She was very active and
sprightly. It's shaken everyone."

Firefighters used hose reel jets to tackle the blaze, which had burnt into the loft space.

Police and firefighters are investigating the cause of the blaze, and a post mortem will be carried out.