A WOMAN died after she was hit by a train at a pedestrian crossing near Rushwick.

Wendy Cheese, 45, of Grange Road in Rushwick, died at about 5.15pm on Monday, August 21.

Paramedics found her dead body alongside the track when they arrived at the unmanned crossing, close to the River Teme.

Husband Tony Cheese, who regularly used the crossing on walks with his wife, said the whole family was shocked by the tragedy.

"Wendy always believed in peace and love, and that's what we'd like to wish her," he said.

"I think she would like that."

An inquest into the death was opened on Tuesday at Worcestershire Coroner's Court in Stourport. Coroner Victor Round said Mrs Cheese was known to be suffering from depression.

A British Transport Police spokeswoman said: "There doesn't appear to be any suspicious circumstances but we would like anyone with information on how this lady came to be on the railway to call us on freephone 0800 405040."

The train driver was treated for shock but was not taken to hospital. A First Great Western spokesman said: "Obviously the train crew were extremely shaken. They were relieved from duty for the shift and a replacement crew was sent to the train by taxi."

Several train services had to be cancelled following the accident before normal service was resumed at around 8.30pm.