An inquest has been formally opened into the death of a "dearly loved and adored" woman who had a "colourful personality".

The disappearance of Thea Newton, who lived in Clitheroe before moving to Warrington, last month sparked a huge emergency service presence in woodland close to her home.

A public appeal for information was also issued in the hope of locating the 29-year-old safe and well.

However, it was tragically confirmed on the evening of Friday, June 16, that emergency services had sadly found her body.

An initial inquest hearing took place on Wednesday at Warrington Coroner’s Court, sitting at St James’ Business Centre off Wilderspool Causeway.

The court heard how Thea was found deceased by a team from Cheshire Search and Rescue Service off a footpath off Forrest Way near to Warrington North Waste Treatment Works at around 2.15pm.

A huge police presence was spotted in the Sankey Bridges area

A huge police presence was spotted in the Sankey Bridges area of Warrington

She was last seen at around 1.30am that morning and her car was located nearby, which sparked a search of the woodland, with Cheshire Police actively searching the Trans Pennine Trail, assisted by drone teams.

Her identity was confirmed by police, with it being confirmed at the hearing that the force is not treating the death as suspicious, with no post mortem examination carried out.

Victoria Davies, area coroner for Cheshire, said: “Given the unnatural element to the cause of death, I am satisfied that it is appropriate to formally open in inquest into the death of Thea Newton.”

The inquest was then adjourned for a case management hearing later this year, with a full inquest due to take place on January 9 next year.

In a statement that morning, inspector Daniel Richardson said: “We are increasingly concerned for her welfare and are currently searching for her.

“If you are out on the Trans Pennine Way or surrounding area and see a woman fitting this description, please contact us.

An inquest has opened into the death of Thea Newton

An inquest has opened into the death of Thea Newton

“Her family and friends are extremely worried about her and just want her home safely.

“I would also appeal directly to Thea, please let us know you are okay. We are all very worried about you and want to get you back to your family.”

Thea, who moved to Warrington from Clitheroe, will be remembered with a funeral service in Blackburn next week.

Anyone wishing to pay tribute to her is being asked not to send flowers, but to instead make a donation to a fundraiser set up in her memory at justgiving.com/page/gillian-Newton-1687710966917

Money raised through the site will be sent to Lancashire Mind, which aims to raise awareness of mental health and improve wellbeing in the county.

At the time of writing, the fundraiser had raised more than £4,400 and states: “The dearly loved and adored daughter of David and Kim, much-loved partner of Mark, loving sister of Joseph and Zander and very much loved by all family and her many friends.

Floral tributes adorn the entrance to Saxon Park, near to where Theas car was discovered in Sankey Bridges.

Floral tributes adorn the entrance to Saxon Park, near to where Thea's car was discovered in Sankey Bridges in Warrington.

“Service and interment will take place at St Helen’s Church, Waddington, on Thursday, July 6, at midday.

“To reflect Thea’s personality, it is requested that an item of colour be worn. Family flowers only please, donations in Thea’s memory are invited for Mind. Taken too soon.”

Floral tributes were also left at the entrance to Saxon Park, near to where Thea's car was discovered in Sankey Bridges.

One of the tributes was left by Thea's partner, Mark, which read: "My Thea, still can't believe this is true; we were meant to be planning the rest of our lives together.

"You are my world, my princess, I love you more than you will ever know. Good night, God bless – we will be together again one day."