FRIENDS of Elaina Beard, the woman who tragically died in a crash on the M5 last Friday, are organising a balloon release in her memory.

Kayleigh Thompson and Danielle Fear are asking people to meet at 5.30pm this Friday (February 16) outside Elaina's home in Westfield House in West Street.

Kayleigh and Danielle are asking people to bring balloons along, and said there will be a toast to Elaina in The Cornhill afterwards.

Tributes have poured in for Elaina, 29, since her sudden passing.

Her family have issued the following tribute: “We are totally heartbroken at the loss of our Elaina.

“She was a loving sister, daughter, auntie and friend, who was so caring both as a carer in her day job and a family member.

“Even as we write this it still doesn't seem real that she was taken away from us so early.

“We are supporting each other as a family and have sought a little comfort in the outpouring of messages from people close and far, and we thank you all.

“We take some comfort knowing she is now with our nan and grandad.”

Colleagues at Bluebird Care, based at Westpark, Chelston, near Wellington, have paid tribute to Ms Beard.

A memo to staff says: "It is with great sadness that we inform you all today that our colleague and friend Elaina Beard from Bluebird Care tragically lost her life early this morning in an accident on the M5.

"Elaina was the 'firecracker' in the Sedgemoor and Burnham-on-Sea team.

"Courtney, her manager and friend, said she had a unique sense of humour which delighted her customers who will greatly miss her."